Kashmir has achieved a new milestone in connectivity and logistics efficiency, as the first freight train carrying industrial salt from Gujarat successfully arrived in the Valley. This marks a significant step in operationalising the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), linking Kashmir to India’s national rail freight network for the first time.
Officials confirmed that a 21-wagon rake carrying around 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt departed from Kharaghoda in Gujarat and reached the Anantnag Goods Shed on Friday. The consignment is primarily intended for use in local manufacturing sectors including tanning, pulp, and brick kiln industries. This arrival represents a major shift from road-dominated freight movement to a more sustainable and reliable rail-based supply chain. Until now, Kashmir’s industrial and essential goods were largely dependent on road transport through the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which frequently faces closures due to landslides and harsh weather.
Railway officials stated that freight operations will ensure a consistent supply of industrial materials throughout the year, while significantly reducing logistics costs. The move also aligns with India’s long-term vision to decarbonise the transport sector, as trains emit far less carbon dioxide compared to heavy road vehicles. Experts noted that the use of the rail network will also mitigate the environmental impact of long-haul truck operations across the Pir Panjal region, reducing fuel consumption and easing highway congestion.
This consignment of industrial salt is expected to pave the way for more such freight services, establishing a steady trade corridor between Gujarat’s industrial hubs and the Kashmir Valley. Officials said that the arrival of this freight train is just the beginning of a new economic chapter for the region, improving trade efficiency and boosting industrial growth. In the coming months, freight services are expected to diversify to include food grains, construction materials, and industrial goods—facilitating faster, greener, and more reliable logistics to and from the Valley.
Beyond economic efficiency, this development underscores the inclusive intent of the USBRL project—to integrate remote Himalayan regions into the national logistics network while promoting sustainable growth. For local producers, the railway connection promises to lower supply-chain risks and reduce costs, while for consumers, it ensures steady availability of goods even in adverse weather conditions. Officials emphasised that as freight traffic increases, the Indian Railways plans to strengthen cargo handling infrastructure in Kashmir, ensuring seamless integration of rail and road logistics in the long run.
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