Katra-Banihal Rail section gets CRS approval, operations to begin soon

Srinagar, Jan 15: The much-awaited Vande Bharat Express is set to begin operations between Srinagar and Jammu following a successful inspection and the green signal from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). This development marks a significant milestone in connecting the region to the national rail network, officials said.
Dinesh Chand Deshwal, the Commissioner of Railway Safety for the Northern Circle, has approved operations for the Banihal-Katra stretch, making way for faster travel between the two cities.
“On January 8, 2025, speed trials on the 111 km Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project achieved a remarkable speed of 110 km/h, confirming the readiness of the rail section for passenger services,” a senior official told Rising Kashmir.
This accomplishment is a vital step in enhancing rail connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu, significantly improving travel efficiency. The Katra-Banihal section, which is a feat of engineering, has 87% of its route carved through tunnels, making it one of the most technically advanced and challenging railway projects in India.
“The project includes iconic structures such as the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, which will redefine the region’s infrastructure and connectivity,” the official added.
Once fully operational, the Katra-Banihal section will provide a safer, more convenient transportation option for both locals and tourists, strengthening Kashmir’s connectivity with the rest of India. The government’s commitment to improving regional infrastructure is underscored by the successful completion of this section.
Officials are hopeful that the Vande Bharat Express will commence operations on January 26, 2025. This new service is expected to drive economic growth, boost tourism, and offer a sustainable transportation option for Jammu and Kashmir residents.
“We are awaiting final approval for a direct train between Srinagar and Katra. In the next 2-3 days, we will have further clarity. All necessary details have been sent to the Railway Minister,” the official said.
A railway spokesperson stated that the new service will dramatically reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to just three hours and ten minutes. With the completion of the safety inspection, the 111 km Banihal-Katra section in the newly constructed Jammu division is now ready to offer a world-class travel experience. Additionally, Jammu station is being redeveloped with eight platforms and modern amenities.
The 8-coach Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar will begin running soon, marking the end of the long wait for train connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu.
The spokesman further noted that the Banihal-Katra section is an engineering marvel, with 97 km of the route passing through tunnels and seven kilometers covered by four major bridges. “The most significant challenge was providing foundation support for the world’s highest arch bridge over the Chenab River, achieved using a rock bolting method with 30,000 tonnes of steel,” he explained.
Another major challenge was the construction of India’s first cable-stayed bridge over the Anji River. Other key bridges in the section include the Reasi and Bakkal Bridges.
During the project, Indian Railways engineers innovated a Himalayan tunneling technique to address safety concerns, ensuring the strength of both the main and 67 km of escape tunnels. These tunnels feature a ballast-less track, similar to metro systems, with no joints. Additionally, cameras are placed every 50 meters within the tunnels to monitor safety and operational data, all connected to a central control room.
In total, 215 km of roads have been built to access the project sites, benefiting local communities. The Vande Bharat train on the Jammu-Srinagar route has been designed with anti-freezing features to ensure year-round operations, even in harsh winter conditions.
To further ensure passenger safety and comfort, anti-vibration seismic devices have been installed to absorb tremors in the earthquake-prone region. “These dampers will mitigate the impact of seismic activity, enabling faster and safer travel for commuters,” the official added.