Northern Railway's Jammu Division has increased the permissible speed limit on Railway Bridge No. 232 in the Kandrori–Pathankot Cantt Block Section from 30 kmph to 45 kmph following the completion of extensive restoration and rehabilitation work.
The bridge, located on the Bhogpur Sirwal–Pathankot Cantt section, suffered damage to its protection walls during the severe floods of 2024. Consequently, a speed restriction of 20 kmph was imposed on both UP and DN lines with effect from August 1, 2024.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Speed restriction on Railway Bridge No. 232 relaxed from 30 kmph to 45 kmph.
The bridge's protection walls were damaged during the 2024 floods.
Further restrictions were imposed following the 2025 floods.
An RS Wall was constructed at the Jalandhar end up to 309 metres above Mean Sea Level.
Restoration work was completed under Senior Divisional Engineer Shubham Pawar.
The revised speed limit is expected to support better train punctuality.
During the 2025 floods, the restriction was further tightened on safety grounds, with trains initially subjected to a 'Stop Dead' restriction and subsequently permitted to operate at 10 kmph. The permissible speed was later increased in stages to 20 kmph and then 30 kmph, which remained in force during 2026.
Following the 2025 floods, the Civil Engineering Department of Jammu Division undertook extensive restoration and rehabilitation work to strengthen the bridge structure and stabilise its abutment.
As part of the rehabilitation measures, an RS Wall was constructed at the Jalandhar end up to 309 metres above Mean Sea Level to provide permanent stability to the bridge abutment.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The relaxation of the speed restriction will allow trains to operate at a higher permissible speed over the bridge. This is expected to reduce delays associated with the earlier restriction and improve operational efficiency on the Bhogpur Sirwal–Pathankot Cantt section.
The technical and structural works were completed under the leadership of Senior Divisional Engineer, Jammu, Shubham Pawar. Following completion of the work, the speed restriction has now been relaxed to 45 kmph for the first time in approximately two-and-a-half to three years.
Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu, Vivek Kumar, described the achievement as a reflection of the division's operational capabilities and commitment to railway safety. He appreciated the efforts of the Civil Engineering Department in rehabilitating the bridge despite challenging natural conditions.
He said the improvement would contribute to better train punctuality and smoother railway operations while making journeys safer and more comfortable for passengers.
The development marks an important infrastructure improvement for Northern Railway's Jammu Division, particularly in restoring operational efficiency on a section affected by successive floods.
