Indian Railways and a major boost for agricultural logistics in the Himalayas, Jammu is set to roll out a dedicated cherry cargo train to Mumbai in early June.
The train, operated by the newly formed Jammu Railway Division under Northern Railway, will transport 24 tonnes of freshly harvested cherries from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station to Bandra in Maharashtra—bridging orchard to market in just 30 hours.This new freight route is more than just a logistical milestone; it is a lifeline for cherry growers in Jammu and Kashmir whose produce is often at the mercy of weather delays, fragile road conditions, and prolonged transit that compromises quality. For an industry rooted in a delicate harvest cycle and reliant on freshness, rail-based cold-chain cargo offers a sustainable and efficient path to market expansion.
The initiative has taken shape following extensive discussions between Northern Railway officials, horticulture department representatives, and local fruit grower associations. According to Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Jammu Division, this is the first full parcel van request processed since the division’s formation—signalling a promising start for agri-logistics in the region. The inaugural shipment is scheduled to depart on June 3.Covering over 2,000 km between Katra and Mumbai in about 30 hours, the train dramatically cuts travel time compared to road transport. It promises to preserve the integrity of the highly perishable fruit, which often faces spoilage due to delays and suboptimal handling. If successful, the model could be extended to other temperate produce such as apples, apricots, and pears—establishing a high-speed, low-carbon corridor for farm-to-market logistics.
This comes at a time when Indian Railways is actively rethinking freight delivery to accommodate sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The creation of the Jammu Railway Division earlier this year—India’s 69th such division—reflects a deeper push to decentralise and regionalise rail operations for better efficiency and local engagement. The division was carved out from the larger Firozpur Division and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to serve as a nodal point for infrastructure development in the region.
The cherry cargo service not only enhances the economic prospects of fruit growers but also repositions the railways as a key player in cold-chain logistics—traditionally a space dominated by road-based transport. From an environmental perspective, the move supports India’s broader push towards decarbonising freight networks. Rail transport emits significantly less CO₂ per tonne-kilometre compared to trucks, making it a preferable option for future agri-logistics systems.For growers in Jammu and Kashmir, this rail link is not just a logistical improvement—it’s a transformational opportunity. The predictable and timely movement of cherries to high-demand urban markets like Mumbai means better prices, reduced waste, and potentially new partnerships with retailers and exporters.
As the June launch draws near, anticipation is high. While the pilot run will be closely monitored for viability and scalability, its success could prompt a longer-term policy shift in how India moves its fruits and vegetables. What begins as a cherry route from Jammu to Mumbai may well set the track for a nationwide network of sustainable, efficient, and climate-conscious agricultural freight corridors.
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