Indian Railways launches apple freight service from Kashmir
SRINAGAR : : In a major relief to apple growers hit by frequent closures of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Railways flagged off two apple-laden parcel vans from Budgam railway station to Delhi and announced a daily freight service started on September 13.
Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a post on X: “Empowering Kashmir’s apple growers. Railways are introducing a daily timetabled parcel train from Budgam in Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi starting 13th September.” He said the service will improve connectivity and help Kashmiris reach markets faster.
Railway officials said the daily train, consisting of eight parcel vans, will depart Budgam at 6:15 am and reach Adarsh Nagar in Delhi at 5 am the next day, enabling apples to hit the markets early in the morning. Facilities for attaching vans at intermediate stations are also being provided.
Explaining today’s early run, a Northern Railway official at Badgam said, “As highway is closed, we preponed it and ran a special train. It is on a trial basis but has already relieved growers. From 15th September, an eight-car daily train will operate. Security has been tightened with police and the Railway Protection Force deployed along the route. The train is faster and smoother than the road, which often suffers jams and blockages.”
The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he had assured growers he would take up the matter with the Railway Minister. “That promise stands fulfilled . I was in constant touch with the Railway Minister, the Railway Department, Secretariat officials, the Agriculture Production Department, and our growers,” he said.
He said two coaches are now being used for cargo transportation, which is a compulsion at present. “In the future, I want this to become a regular feature with special cargo trains running continuously from Kashmir. These should include refrigerated containers so that our fruits can reach markets fresh, while essential goods needed in J&K can also be brought in by train,” he added.
Growers and traders expressed relief. “The National Highway 44 has been closed for 12-13 days. When I spoke to the Railway Department, they arranged everything in 2-3 days. I am thrilled that they acted so quickly,” said an apple trader from Srinagar.
He added that sending freight by truck to Delhi costs nearly Rs. 1.25 lakh for a 10-tonne load, while the train may bring the cost down to Rs. 60,000, which is nearly half. “It will also save time. Trucks take four to five days, while the train will reach Delhi in about 20 hours.”
Officials said the move marks the beginning of a “transformative era” in Kashmir’s logistics. “By reducing dependence on vulnerable road routes, these direct rail services signify a bold new chapter for commerce in the region,” a railway official said.
“The Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Jammu Division are in constant touch with J&K authorities, the Horticulture Department, fruit growers’ associations, and traders,” the official said.