The Ministry of Railways has approved raising the maximum permissible speed to 100 kmph on the 111-kilometre new broad-gauge rail section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.

Northern Railway had earlier prescribed maximum speeds of 85 kmph for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Sangaldan stretch and 75 kmph for the Sangaldan to Banihal stretch. The ministry said the decision followed verification that all prescribed safety conditions had been met before increasing the speed.

Uchit Singhal, senior divisional commercial manager of Jammu, said the speed enhancement would strengthen connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and deliver faster, safer and more comfortable travel for passengers. He added that the change was expected to boost tourism, trade and broader economic activity in the region. The official reiterated that the railways remained continuously committed to passenger safety and convenience.

Rail officials indicated that the higher permissible speed will reduce journey times between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal and improve the overall passenger experience on the route. The announcement came alongside the virtual inauguration of a gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur section in Madhya Pradesh by senior government ministers, and the extension of the Gwalior-Kailaras service up to Birpur. Authorities noted that the extension provides direct rail links between Birpur, Vijaypur and Sabalgarh with Gwalior and expands affordable travel options for residents of rural and tribal districts.

Rail sources said the new connections are expected to improve access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities in the affected districts and to support local commerce. The ministry and Northern Railway affirmed that operational and safety protocols would be monitored as services adapt to higher speeds. Officials said the measure formed part of ongoing efforts to enhance network capacity and passenger convenience across regions.