🗞️ Why in News The Railway Ministry approved raising the maximum permissible speed on the 111 km Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to 100 kmph, up from the earlier 75-85 kmph, after the stretch cleared required safety inspections.
About the Section
The Katra-Banihal stretch traverses the geologically challenging Pir Panjal range, passing through the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. The speed upgrade follows extensive track and structural stability certification given the terrain’s seismic and slope-stability sensitivity.
Why This Matters
USBRL is the flagship rail-connectivity project integrating the Kashmir Valley with the Indian rail network, with implications for freight movement, tourism access, troop and emergency-supply mobility, and everyday commuter travel between Jammu and Srinagar. A higher permissible speed directly reduces end-to-end travel time on this corridor.
UPSC Relevance
This is a strong GS1 (physical geography, Himalayan/Pir Panjal terrain engineering) and GS3 (transport infrastructure, strategic connectivity) topic. A useful Mains angle discusses USBRL’s role in Jammu & Kashmir’s economic integration, tourism promotion, and strategic connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
📌 Facts Corner, Knowledgepedia
USBRL Katra-Banihal Speed Upgrade:
- Section length: 111 km; new speed limit: 100 kmph (up from 75-85 kmph)
- Passes through: Chenab Railway Bridge (world’s highest railway bridge) and Anji Khad Bridge (India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge)
- Part of: Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
Other Relevant Facts:
- The Chenab Bridge stands about 359 metres above the riverbed, higher than the Eiffel Tower
Sources: Northern Railway, Daily Excelsior
Source: Railways Raises Speed Limit to 100 kmph on USBRL's Katra-Banihal Section — Ujiyari.com | Free UPSC & State PCS Current Affairs
