Jammu: A Vande Bharat Express crossed the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji at 100 kmph as the maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal section was raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph.
The speed enhancement was successfully tested on Thursday, marking a major operational milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL).
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 26401/26404) crossed both the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge at 100 kmph.
The Railway Ministry approved the enhanced speed after all prescribed safety conditions were complied with in August. Earlier, trains could operate at up to 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan section and 75 kmph between Sangaldan and Banihal.
The increase is expected to reduce travel time between Katra and Banihal and provide faster, safer and more comfortable rail connectivity while making operations on the USBRL smoother.
The technically challenging 111-km section traverses the rugged terrain of the Pir Panjal and lower Himalayan ranges, with deep valleys, steep slopes, major rivers and complex geological formations. It includes 33 tunnels, besides major structures such as the 359-metre-high Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna inspected the Chenab and Anji bridges during his visit to Jammu Division on Friday. He conducted the inspection through window trailing and appreciated the construction quality and safety standards of the two landmark bridges.
Somanna also reviewed ongoing developmental works in the Jammu Division and directed officials to ensure timely completion of proposed projects.
He said redevelopment of Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Udhampur railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was progressing rapidly. He also reviewed passenger amenities and freight-loading capacity, saying that after full commissioning of the USBRL, the work of seamlessly connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country was in its final stage.
Divisional Railway Manager Jammu Vivek Kumar, along with branch officers and senior officers of the Jammu Division, was present during the visit.
Somanna appreciated the work of railway employees and reiterated the commitment to providing safe, clean and improved rail services to passengers.
