Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 13: The Jammu Division of Northern Railway has taken a major step to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture-driven economy by successfully operating dedicated parcel and goods trains for apple transportation to Delhi and Jammu. The operations, launched this week, are already showing strong demand and significant benefits for the trade sector.
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The service began on 11 September, when two parcel van coaches loaded with 23 tonnes of apples each departed Budgam railway station. One coach reached Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, in less than 21 hours, while the other arrived in Jammu in under six hours. The timely delivery of perishable produce has been hailed by traders and growers as a game-changer in market access.
Today, the Northern Railway expanded the scope of operations. A JPP-RCS parcel train departed Adarsh Nagar for Budgam, carrying textiles, clothing, courier consignments, auto parts, decorative items and white goods. The return service demonstrated the viability of two-way logistics, reducing empty haulage and creating balanced trade opportunities between Kashmir and Delhi.
A dedicated apple goods train was also dispatched today from Anantnag with 10 BCN wagons. While three wagons were routed to Bari Brahmana (Jammu), seven continued onward to Delhi. The operation not only diversified access points for growers but also allowed bulk transportation at scale, reducing costs per unit.
According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, the initiative will provide equal opportunities for small, medium, and large producers, while improving overall competitiveness of Kashmir’s horticulture sector. “This is a unique initiative by the Railways for traders and fruit producers. It will boost the region’s economy and ensure growers receive fairer market value,” he said.
With faster transit, reduced spoilage, and predictable schedules, the dedicated train services are expected to attract more traders who traditionally depended on road transport.
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