Northern Railway has increased the maximum permissible speed of trains on the 17-km Banihal-Qazigund single-line electrified section in the Kashmir Division from 75 kmph to 100 kmph, marking a major upgrade in rail connectivity across the Valley.
This decision will benefit both domestic and international passengers travelling by train in the Valley. According to railway officials, the increased speed limit on this crucial 17-km stretch will ensure smoother train operations and significantly reduce travel time.
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The reduced running time will not only save passengers valuable time but also improve train punctuality. Railway officials said the higher speed limit will enhance operational efficiency and help trains run on schedule, improving the punctuality of rail services to Qazigund, Anantnag, and Srinagar. Passengers often face delays on this route, and these issues are expected to be reduced after the implementation of the new speed limit.
In another major relief for travellers, the reconstruction of two important bridges over the Ravi River and Sehar Khad near Kalibari in Kathua, which were damaged in last year's floods, has been completed. The restoration of these bridges has fully revived a vital road link between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for the successful completion of the project. The restoration of the bridges before the start of the Amarnath Yatra has brought significant relief to road travellers.
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The reconstructed bridges are expected to eliminate unnecessary traffic jams on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) between Kathua and Pathankot. Sharing the information on X on Thursday, Nitin Gadkari said the reconstruction work on both bridges was completed successfully within the stipulated timeframe.
He added that the restoration of the Ravi River and Sehar Khad bridges is vital to maintaining smooth traffic flow on the Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.