First-ever dedicated cherry cargo train service departed from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station on May 31, 2025, carrying 24 tonnes of fresh cherries to Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus.
Covering the nearly 2,000-kilometre stretch in just 30 hours, this landmark journey positions rail freight as a credible, time-sensitive solution for perishable goods, transforming the way horticulture produce from Jammu and Kashmir reaches national markets.This innovation is a collaborative success involving the Jammu Railway Division, fruit growers’ associations such as the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Association, and the Union Territory’s Horticulture Department. With this rollout, Indian Railways has not only added economic value to the horticulture supply chain but has also introduced a cleaner, faster, and more reliable alternative to conventional road freight.
The timing of the launch aligns with the peak harvest period of cherries in the region. Rail-based logistics now allow growers to preserve freshness and reduce spoilage during transit, significantly enhancing their market competitiveness. While truck transport can often stretch into 48–60 hours, with risks of heat exposure and mechanical delays, the express cargo train ensures delivery in nearly half the time, with enhanced control and reduced carbon emissions.Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated that the initiative bridges a crucial logistical gap. “This is not just about speed. It is about confidence—confidence in rail freight as a temperature-compliant, high-frequency supply chain for our agri-sector stakeholders,” he said. The rollout also reflects the Union Territory’s increasing focus on cold-chain enabled infrastructure and multi-modal logistics corridors.
Following the maiden journey, the Jammu Railway Division received two more cargo indents, indicating rising demand for this service model. One has been registered from Katra and another from Jammu Station, both expected to move tonnes of cherries within the coming days. For fruit growers, this shift is more than logistical—it is an economic lifeline that reduces overheads and widens access to consumers in far-off markets.The cherry train initiative follows the creation of the Jammu Railway Division earlier this year, which aims to unlock local potential through focused infrastructure upgrades. The service operates using specially designed parcel vans that maintain temperature-sensitive conditions—critical for perishable produce moving across India’s varying climates.
Ali Mohammad, a trader with the New Kashmir Fruit Association, believes the cost savings and shorter transit time will translate into better returns for farmers and more affordable prices for end consumers. “Rail freight used to be unreliable for perishables. Now, with this initiative, we can finally trust the system,” he said.
The move is seen as a precursor to larger ambitions—once mega projects like the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) are completed, seamless movement of goods from Kashmir Valley to export zones may become a reality. Railways’ commitment to reducing logistics emissions while supporting rural incomes fits squarely into India’s larger push for green transport and inclusive growth.
The successful deployment of the cherry train service not only boosts confidence in India’s freight corridors but also signals a powerful convergence of technology, policy, and regional aspiration. It puts Indian Railways at the heart of a future-ready, zero-carbon agri-logistics ecosystem.
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