Jammu, 20 August (H.S.): The Railway Ministry has approved an increase in the maximum permissible speed of trains to 100 kmph on the 111-kilometre-long Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal Broad Gauge rail section under Jammu Division of Northern Railway.

Earlier, trains were permitted to operate at a maximum speed of 85 kmph between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Sangaldan, while the permissible speed on the Sangaldan-Banihal section was 75 kmph.

According to a spokesperson of the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, the speed enhancement has been approved after the Railways ensured compliance with all prescribed safety requirements and conditions.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, said the increase in speed would reduce travel time and further strengthen rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the move would provide passengers with faster, safer and more comfortable travel while also giving a boost to tourism, trade and other economic activities in the region.

With the revised speed limit, the journey between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal is expected to become shorter, improving the overall efficiency and convenience of rail travel along the strategically important route.

The Railways has reiterated its commitment to ensuring passenger safety and providing improved and efficient rail services in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar