High-speed trial run on Katra-Banihal line successful

The train covered the distance of 111 km in over an hour

- Ravi Krishnan Khajuria

JAMMU: The commissioner of railways safety (CRS) Dinesh Chand Deshwal on Wednesday conducted a successful speed trial by a special train on 111 km long newly laid rail track from Katra in Reasi district to Banihal in Ramban district and vice versa.

"The rail track is fully ready. We studied different areas of the rail track. The data has been gathered and it will be analysed. Soon trains will be started (between Katra and Srinagar)," Deshwal told reporters after the speed trial.

"From Katra to Banihal, the train travelled at a speed of 110 kmph on a rising gradient 180 degrees. The trial was satisfactory," he added.

"The trial run has written a new chapter in the history of the Railways. It was smooth and filled us with a sense of fulfilment and the credit for it goes to our engineers who have done such great work," the CRS said.

The special train equipped with sensors, computers and other gadgets clocked an hour and 10 minutes to cover the distance of 111 km from Katra to Banihal but took an hour and half on return journey.

With successful completion of speed run of the train, the decks are almost clear for the launch of direct train service between Katra-Banihal-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link.