From Manesar To Anantnag: Cars Reach Kashmir By Rail For The First Time

Indian Railways has achieved a key milestone as the Kashmir Valley received its first-ever rake of automobiles, signalling a major leap in connectivity and regional economic integration.

On Friday (3 October), a train carrying over 100 vehicles arrived at the Anantnag Goods Terminal, after travelling from Manesar in Haryana, and crossing the Chenab Arch Bridge — the world’s highest railway bridge.

This marks the first time finished vehicles have been transported into the Valley by rail.

On 03 October 2025, the train carrying over 100 vehicles arrived at the Anantnag Goods Terminal in the Valley. The rake had originated from Manesar in Haryana and crossed the iconic Chenab Arch Bridge – the highest railway bridge in the world – before reaching its destination.

According to the Ministry of Railways, this achievement is the direct outcome of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year.

The ambitious project has connected the Kashmir Valley to India’s national railway grid for the first time, ending decades of isolation and opening new trade corridors.

Following the USBRL’s completion, Vande Bharat Express services began operating in the Valley, introducing faster and modern travel options for residents and tourists alike.

In September, the Railways also launched dedicated parcel train services for Valley's apple growers, operating daily between Badgam and Delhi.

The initiative ensures Kashmir’s apple produce reaches Delhi’s wholesale markets during prime trading hours, boosting farmers’ earnings while reducing transport costs and road congestion.

The ministry said that building on this success, the arrival of the first automobile rake at Anantnag represents a major step forward.

"For the first time, finished vehicles have been transported by rail into the Valley, opening new avenues for trade, retail, and allied services. This will not only benefit consumers but also create jobs in logistics, distribution, and automobile-related businesses," the ministry said.

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