Indian Railways: Good news for train travellers. Northern Railway has taken a significant step to improve rail services in the Kashmir Valley, aiming to make them faster, safer, and more convenient. The maximum speed allowed for trains on the Banihal-Qazigund single-line electrified section in the Kashmir Division, a part of the Jammu Division, has been raised from 75 kilometers per hour to 100 kilometers per hour.
This development is set to benefit both domestic and international passengers traveling by train in the valley. Railway authorities mention that this speed increase over the critical 17-kilometer section will lead to smoother train operations and a notable reduction in travel duration. The decision will result in shorter running times for trains, ultimately saving time for passengers and enhancing train punctuality. The higher speed limit will cut down travel times on this stretch, leading to improved operational efficiency.
This initiative will ensure better adherence to schedules, enhancing the punctuality of train services to Qazigund, Anantnag, and Srinagar, thereby addressing the common issue of train delays. Implementation of this new system is expected to alleviate these problems significantly.
A significant milestone has been achieved with the completion of the reconstruction of two vital bridges over the Ravi River and the Sehar Khad near Kalibari (Katua), which were damaged during floods last year. This restoration has fully reinstated a crucial road link between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari for this accomplishment. The timely reconstruction of these bridges before the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra has brought substantial relief to road travelers.
The reconstruction of these bridges will help in averting unnecessary traffic congestions on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) between Kathua and Pathankot. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari shared updates about the successful restoration of these two vital bridges in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the reconstruction work was completed within the scheduled timeframe.
The restoration of the Ravi River and Sahar Khad Bridge holds critical importance in ensuring smooth traffic flow on the Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.