Kashmir Delhi Parcel Train Flagged Off Today To Boost Connectivity
Kashmir’s long-awaited cargo rail link to Delhi has finally rolled out, with the launch of the Joint Parcel Product Rapid Cargo Service from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar. The inaugural run, flagged off at Srinagar Railway Station, is being described as a lifeline for the Valley’s apple growers who have long struggled with the volatility of road transport on the Srinagar – Jammu highway.
Officials confirmed that infrastructure at Budgam and Srinagar has been upgraded to handle the new freight operations, with parcel vans tailored to carry perishable goods such as apples and fresh vegetables. With consignments expected to reach Delhi in under 24 hours, the service offers a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to trucks, which often face delays caused by landslides, blockades and unpredictable weather.
The move is widely seen as a strategic boost to the Valley’s horticulture economy, which contributes nearly 8 percent to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP. Experts believe the rail link will not only cut spoilage and reduce carbon-heavy truck usage but also provide growers with better bargaining power in India’s wholesale markets. “A daily schedule ensures predictability, which farmers have been demanding for years,” said a senior railway official. The new service comes at a critical time, after growers suffered heavy losses during recent highway closures triggered by floods and landslides.
A senior horticulture expert noted that reducing dependence on highway freight is crucial to building climate resilience in the sector. Beyond apples, the train is also expected to facilitate the transport of walnuts, cherries and floriculture products, expanding Kashmir’s access to larger national markets.Equipped with eight parcel vans and a luggage coach, the train is structured to meet peak harvest demands. Railway officials have hinted that more such trains may be introduced during the upcoming season, depending on freight volume. Logistics experts believe the model could eventually be replicated in other horticulture belts across India to reduce road congestion and emissions.
Growers’ associations have welcomed the initiative, calling it a “timely intervention” that restores confidence in the region’s supply chain. For decades, reliance on diesel trucks has left Kashmir’s perishable goods sector vulnerable to delays, rising fuel costs and infrastructure bottlenecks. The parcel train, running daily, is expected to stabilise freight charges while aligning with India’s broader goals of sustainable transport.While the initiative is primarily aimed at strengthening Kashmir’s horticultural economy, its benefits ripple further. Reduced road freight will ease traffic on the highway, cut vehicular emissions and lower accident risks.
With India’s commitment to building sustainable and carbon-neutral logistics networks, this launch is more than a local solution it is a template for greener freight corridors.As the first train begins its journey, experts underline the importance of expanding such eco-friendly logistics solutions to ensure that India’s agricultural supply chain remains competitive, resilient and climate-conscious. For growers in Kashmir, however, the message is clear their apples are finally on a faster, safer track to national markets.
