Story perspectives

Vande Bharat hits 100 km/h on Katra-Banihal stretch

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 4:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted a video of the Vande Bharat Express run on X, calling it historic.
On October 2, 2026, the train traveled at 100 km/h over the Chenab and Anji bridges after August approval.
Officials said the speed increase was approved in August once safety conditions were met.
Northern Railway expects the speed to smooth operations, cut travel time, and improve passenger safety on the 111-km Katra-Banihal segment.

History

Historical Context

In February 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Vande Bharat Express, marking India’s entry into semi-high-speed rail. The 12-coach train cost roughly INR1,000 crore and was designed for 180 km/h, yet initially operated at 130 km/h on the Delhi-Varanasi route. Today, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s October 2, 2026 video of the Vande Bharat speeding at 100 km/h over the Chenab and Anji bridges echoes that inaugural push for faster service. The speed upgrade, approved by Northern Railway in August, promises to cut travel time on the 111-km Katra-Banihal stretch, reinforcing India’s long-term high-speed rail ambitions.

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Story summary

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted a video of the Vande Bharat Express run on X, calling it historic.
On October 2, 2026, the train traveled at 100 km/h over the Chenab and Anji bridges after August approval.
Officials said the speed increase was approved in August once safety conditions were met.
Northern Railway expects the speed to smooth operations, cut travel time, and improve passenger safety on the 111-km Katra-Banihal segment.

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