Kashmir Rail Journey Gets Faster as Train Speed Raised on Banihal-Qazigund Section
Northern Railway increases maximum speed from 75 km/h to 100 km/h on crucial Valley stretch
Move expected to reduce travel time, improve punctuality, boost regional connectivity
Srinagar: In a significant boost to rail connectivity in the Kashmir Valley, Northern Railway’s Jammu Division has approved an increase in the maximum permissible speed of trains on the Banihal-Qazigund single-line electrified section from 75 km/h to 100 km/h.
The move is expected to make rail travel faster, safer and more comfortable for thousands of passengers commuting across the Valley while also improving operational efficiency on one of the region’s most vital railway stretches.
Officials said the speed enhancement on the 17-kilometre section will substantially reduce train running time, helping improve punctuality of services operating towards Qazigund, Anantnag and Srinagar.
“With higher speeds, trains will clear the section faster, increasing line capacity and allowing additional time for maintenance activities. This will ultimately improve safety and reduce delays faced by passengers,” said Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Division.
Railway authorities said the development is not merely a technical upgrade but an important step towards accelerating the socio-economic growth of the Kashmir Valley by strengthening mobility and connectivity.
Passengers travelling on the route are expected to benefit from shorter journey durations and smoother operations, particularly during peak travel hours.
“Jammu Division remains committed to providing every passenger with a safe, fast and comfortable journey. This speed enhancement reflects our continued efforts to modernise railway infrastructure in the region,” Singh added.
The Jammu Division also appealed to passengers to follow all safety guidelines and cooperate in ensuring the protection of railway property and infrastructure.
The Banihal-Qazigund rail corridor is considered a crucial link in Kashmir’s railway network and plays a key role in connecting the Valley with the rest of the Jammu region through the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
