Srinagar, Aug 23: Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector is set to receive another boost with the Railway Ministry approving a higher operating speed of 100 kmph on the 111-kilometre Katra-Banihal rail section.
The move is expected to make rail travel faster and more convenient for tourists travelling between Katra and the Kashmir Valley. It comes at a time when rail connectivity is becoming an important part of the region’s tourism infrastructure.
The Katra-Banihal section forms a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. The route connects the pilgrimage centre of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with Banihal and provides an important gateway towards Kashmir.
The permissible speed earlier stood at 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan stretch and 75 kmph between Sangaldan and Banihal. The revised limit of 100 kmph is expected to reduce travel time and improve the overall journey experience.
For the tourism industry, the change could make multi destination travel across J&K easier. Visitors arriving in Katra for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage can benefit from quicker rail movement towards the Kashmir Valley.
This can help tourists plan trips covering religious, scenic and cultural destinations within a shorter travel schedule.
The development also adds value to the growing appeal of rail travel in the region. The Katra-Banihal route passes through some of J&K’s most challenging mountain terrain and includes major engineering structures such as the Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge. The Chenab bridge is the world’s highest railway bridge.
The Railway Ministry approved the speed enhancement after the prescribed safety requirements were met. Officials said the higher speed would provide passengers with faster, safer and more comfortable travel while strengthening connectivity across J&K.
The tourism impact could extend beyond shorter journeys. Better rail connectivity can improve access to hotels, restaurants, local transport operators, guides and other tourism businesses. It can also make travel more practical for visitors who want to combine Jammu, Katra and Kashmir in one itinerary.
The latest development comes after the introduction of Vande Bharat services between Katra and Srinagar, which has already added a faster rail option for visitors travelling between the two regions.
With the new speed limit, the Katra-Banihal corridor is gaining greater importance as a tourism link. Faster rail movement can help bring major destinations closer for visitors while improving the ease, comfort and efficiency of travel across J&K.
