Vande Bharat 100 kmph Chenab Bridge: Kashmir Rail Link Speed Increase

For the first time, the Vande Bharat Express has crossed the Chenab Bridge at 100 kmph. The Railway Ministry shared a video of the crossing on X and wrote, "For the first time, Vande Bharat crosses Chenab Bridge at 100 km/h." The crossing also covered the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, according to Northern Railway's Jammu Division.

What changed

The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal broad-gauge section has been revised to 100 kmph. Northern Railway officials said the earlier limit was 75 kmph; another report says trains were held to 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan stretch and 75 kmph on Sangaldan-Banihal. Officials said the ministry approved the increase after the Railways complied with all prescribed safety conditions in August.

Minister of State for Railways V Somanna said at Katra that the speed may go up further in the future, though he gave no firm timeline.

Somanna also spoke about the railways' role in carrying essential goods to and from Kashmir. He was quoted as saying that more than 25,000 tonnes of milk, foodgrains and other items have been sent from the Valley to different parts of the country.

The bridge

The Chenab Railway Bridge stands 359 metres above the riverbed in Reasi district, and is described as the world's highest railway arch bridge. It was inaugurated by PM Modi in June 2025 and is designed to withstand winds of up to 266 kmph and major seismic activity. One report describes it as about 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The line it serves is meant to give Kashmir a rail connection with the rest of India.

The trains on this route

According to our timetable data, 26401 Vande Bharat Express runs from Jammu Tawi (JAT) to Srinagar (SINA) on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, taking about 4 hours 50 minutes (06:20 to 11:10). It stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK), Reasi (REAI) and Banihal (BAHL) among other halts. The return 26402 leaves Srinagar at 14:00 and reaches Jammu Tawi at 18:50, on the same days.

A second pair, 26403/26404, runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in about 4 hours 45 minutes. Timetables can change, so check the running days before you plan.

What this means for travellers

The reports confirm the new speed limit, but none of them announces a change in the timetable or journey time. Trains on this route still run to their current schedule, so check the live running status page for the latest timings. Our trip planner shows seat availability, confirmation chances, alternate stations and connections for this route.

Reservations open 60 days ahead (excluding the journey day) and can be made on IRCTC or the RailOne app. For a longer trip around this train, see our Kashmir by Vande Bharat itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Will the journey time from Jammu to Srinagar be shorter now?

Not announced yet. The reports confirm the higher speed limit on the Katra-Banihal section but do not mention any change in timetable. Our timetable data shows 26401 taking about 4 hours 50 minutes, so check the live timetable page for any change.

What is the new speed limit on the Katra-Banihal section?

100 kmph on the 111-km section. Northern Railway officials said it was earlier 75 kmph; another report mentions 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan stretch.

How do I book a ticket for the Vande Bharat to Kashmir?

Book on IRCTC or the RailOne app, up to 60 days before your journey (excluding the journey day). Check the running days first: 26401/26402 do not run on Tuesday, and 26403/26404 do not run on Wednesday.

Which stations does 26401 stop at?

According to our timetable data, it stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal among other halts before reaching Srinagar. The Chenab Bridge lies on the Katra-Banihal section.