Overview
- On Friday, October 2, 2026, a specially configured Vande Bharat Express ran across the Chenab and Anji bridges at 100 km/h to validate the new limit on the 111‑km Katra–Banihal section.
- The Railway Ministry granted the increase from 75 km/h to 100 km/h after officials said prescribed safety conditions were met in August and subsequent inspections were completed.
- The test covered two major USBRL structures: the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad cable‑stayed bridge, both cleared for higher‑speed running.
- The Vande Bharat for this route carries winter and vibration adaptations such as heated windshields, enhanced heating and seismic dampers to handle harsh Himalayan conditions.
- Officials say the higher permitted speed should smooth operations and cut journey times on the USBRL while station upgrades, inspections and timetable integration continue before full commissioning.