Katra-Banihal Rail Route Cleared for Trains at 100 kmph

Reasi, August 20, 2026; Train journeys between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal are set to become quicker after the Railway Ministry cleared an increase in the maximum permissible speed on the 111-kilometre Broad Gauge corridor to 100 kmph.

The decision covers the newly developed rail link under Northern Railway’s Jammu Division. Previously, trains were permitted to operate at up to 85 kmph between Katra and Sangaldan, while the Sangaldan-Banihal stretch had a speed limit of 75 kmph.

Railway authorities said the revised speed limit was approved after the required safety assessments and conditions were completed. The move is expected to shorten journey times and improve the overall rail experience for passengers travelling through the region.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, said the faster rail service would further improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. He added that better rail links could also support tourism, commerce and other economic activities in the Union Territory.

The Katra-Banihal railway corridor is an important part of efforts to strengthen connectivity in the mountainous region. With trains now allowed to operate at higher speeds, passengers travelling between the two destinations are expected to benefit from more efficient journeys.

The Railway Ministry has also been advancing rail connectivity projects in other parts of the country. Earlier, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, inaugurated the gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur section in Madhya Pradesh.

The newly connected route has also extended train services from Gwalior to Birpur, improving access to education, healthcare, employment and markets for communities in the surrounding areas.