Katra-Banihal Rail Speed Raised to 100 kmph, Boosting Kashmir Tourism Connectivity
By : A.Razi
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector is set to receive another boost after the Railway Ministry approved an increase in the permissible operating speed on the 111-kilometre Katra-Banihal rail section to 100 kmph.
The revised speed limit is expected to make train journeys faster and more convenient for passengers travelling between Katra and the Kashmir Valley, further strengthening rail connectivity as an important part of J&K’s tourism infrastructure.
The Katra-Banihal section is a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), connecting the pilgrimage centre of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with Banihal and providing an important rail gateway towards Kashmir.
Katra-Banihal rail speed increased from 75-85 kmph
Before the latest approval, the permissible speed was 85 kmph between Katra and Sangaldan and 75 kmph between Sangaldan and Banihal.
The revised limit of 100 kmph is expected to reduce journey times and improve the overall travel experience for passengers using the mountain railway route.
For tourists, faster rail movement could make it easier to combine destinations across Jammu and Kashmir within a shorter itinerary.
Visitors travelling to Katra for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage could benefit from quicker onward rail travel towards the Kashmir Valley, allowing them to combine religious tourism with visits to Kashmir’s scenic and cultural destinations.
Rail connectivity could strengthen Kashmir tourism
Improved rail connectivity can have wider benefits for the tourism sector beyond shorter journey times.
Easier movement between Katra, Jammu and Kashmir can support hotels, restaurants, local transport operators, tour guides and other businesses that depend on tourist arrivals.
It could also make multi-destination trips more practical for visitors who want to experience both the pilgrimage sites of Jammu and the scenic attractions of the Kashmir Valley during the same visit.
The Katra-Banihal route also passes through some of the most challenging mountainous terrain in the region and includes major engineering landmarks.
Among them is the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, along with the Anji Khad Bridge, both of which have become notable attractions associated with the region’s expanding railway network.
Safety requirements completed
The Railway Ministry approved the higher operating speed after the prescribed safety requirements were completed.
Officials said the enhanced speed would provide passengers with faster, safer and more comfortable rail travel while further strengthening connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.
The development comes after the introduction of Vande Bharat services between Katra and Srinagar, which has added a faster rail option for passengers travelling between the two regions.
With the latest speed enhancement, the Katra-Banihal corridor is gaining further importance as a transport and tourism link between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
Faster rail travel could bring major destinations within easier reach of visitors while improving the convenience, efficiency and overall experience of travelling across Jammu and Kashmir.
