Vande Bharat Sets Speed Record Over Chenab, Anji Bridges

Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26401/26404) has set a new record by successfully traversing the world's highest railway bridge, Chenab Bridge, and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, at a speed of 100 kmph. This achievement marks a historic milestone for higher speed connectivity, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who confirmed the higher speed was successfully tested today.

The maximum permitted speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal railway section has been raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph. This speed enhancement was approved by the Railway Ministry in August this year, officials stated, after all prescribed safety conditions were complied with by the Railways. The section was inaugurated in June 2025, marking the completion of an all-weather railway connection linking Kashmir with the rest of India through the Indian Railways network.

This upgrade is set to improve the flow of train services across the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, cut journey durations, and offer passengers a quicker, safer, and more comfortable travel experience. Regarded as a major feat of engineering, the USBRL project, constructed over several years amid the difficult Himalayan landscape, is among the most important railway projects undertaken in independent India.

The USBRL project spans 272 kilometres and has been built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, cutting through the demanding terrain of the Himalayas. The network includes 36 tunnels with a combined length of 119 kilometres, along with 943 bridges built to connect mountain passes, ridges, and valleys. This expansive project aims to bring previously isolated parts of Kashmir onto the Indian Railways network, opening up better connectivity and supporting trade and tourism across Jammu and Kashmir.

To enhance the new rail connection, a specially configured Vande Bharat Express service has been introduced between Katra and Srinagar. Unlike the regular version, this train has been modified to function effectively in the harsh winter conditions of the Himalayan region, capable of operating even when temperatures fall to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Features such as heated windshields, advanced heating systems, and insulated toilet facilities have been incorporated to maintain passenger comfort and enable year-round services. Additionally, seismic dampers have been installed to minimise vibrations and improve passenger safety while trains pass through this earthquake-prone area.

Central to the USBRL project is the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 metres above the riverbed. At this height, it is 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The 1,315-metre-long structure is a vital component of the link, built to withstand difficult terrain and extreme weather, capable of enduring wind speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour. With an anticipated service life of 120 years, the bridge utilizes specially developed structural steel to ensure reliable performance across temperatures ranging from minus 10 to 40 degrees Celsius.

The USBRL project also features the Anji Khad Bridge, distinguished as India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. Constructed across the challenging Himalayan terrain, it crosses the deep Anji River valley, situated south of the Chenab, forming an important link along the Katra-Banihal stretch. Located approximately 80 kilometres from Jammu city, the Anji Khad Bridge measures 725 metres in length and stands 331 metres above the riverbed, supported by 96 high-tensile cables, set against a scenic backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

What to watch: Continued rollout of Vande Bharat services in Kashmir.

Editor's note: The draft is comprehensive, integrating all technical and historical details from the source regarding the USBRL project and the bridge speeds.