News Brief
First Kashmir-Delhi Parcel Train For Perishables Flagged Off; To Operate Daily
A freight train. (Representative Image)
Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated the first dedicated parcel train linking Budgam with New Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar, marking a new phase in the transport of fruits and other perishables from the Valley, the Hindustan Times reported.
The service aims to offer farmers and traders an economical and dependable way to send apples and other goods to major markets across India, officials said.
The eight-parcel van train, with a total carrying capacity of about 180 tonnes, will operate daily and is suitable for all parcel commodities, especially fresh produce.
“Every day 23 to 24 tonnes of apples and other perishable goods will be transported from here. It will significantly reduce transit time and increase income opportunities for thousands of farmers and boost the agricultural economy of the region,” the lieutenant governor said after flagging off the train in Budgam.
Railway officials hailed the initiative as a milestone for freight services in the Union Territory. Divisional railway manager Vivek Kumar described it as a historic achievement, while senior divisional commercial manager Uchit Singhal said it could revolutionise freight transportation in the region.
Authorities also plan to start similar facilities from Anantnag, expanding the network for perishables.
The project follows earlier appeals from local leaders, including former chief minister Omar Abdullah, to establish a dedicated freight link after frequent disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway hampered the timely movement of goods.
