SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi has welcomed the launch of a dedicated daily parcel train service from Budgam to Delhi for transporting Kashmiri apples, describing it as a much-needed relief for local growers and traders.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Inam said the initiative would ease logistical challenges and ensure the timely delivery of perishable produce to major markets in the national capital.
He noted that the move followed a request made by the Office of jailed AIP President and Baramulla MP, Er Rashid, adding, “This shows that genuine public concerns raised by elected representatives are being acknowledged, even when they are behind bars.”
Calling for the expansion of the service, Inam urged the Railway Ministry to extend the parcel train route up to Baramulla, thereby connecting Sopore—home to Asia’s largest Fruit Mandi and a functional railway station. He argued that this would enhance access and further strengthen Kashmir’s horticulture economy.
Inam also appealed for the introduction of direct passenger train services, including Vande Bharat, between Baramulla and Delhi, citing soaring airfares that have made travel unaffordable for ordinary citizens. “Direct train connectivity would ease this burden and offer a significant public convenience,” he said.
