The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal rail section has been raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the move on Friday, calling it a historic day.

During the trial, a Vande Bharat Express crossed the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Bridge at 100 kmph. The Chenab Bridge is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. The Anji Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Officials said the train set a new record with the crossing.

Earlier, trains could run at 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan stretch and 75 kmph on the Sangaldan-Banihal stretch. The Railway Ministry approved the higher speed in August after all prescribed safety conditions were met, officials said.

The Katra-Banihal section is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link, known as USBRL. The project connects the Kashmir Valley with the national railway network. The section passes through the difficult terrain of the Pir Panjal and lower Himalayan ranges.

Officials said the higher speed will make operations smoother and cut travel time between Katra and Banihal. Passengers can expect faster, safer and more comfortable journeys on the corridor.