SRINAGAR: In a significant boost to food security and logistics efficiency in the Kashmir Valley, Indian Railways has successfully transported the first full rake of foodgrain to Anantnag, underscoring the reliability of all-weather rail connectivity to the region.
A complete rake comprising 42 wagons carrying 2,768 metric tonnes of rice reached the Anantnag goods shed on January 22, marking a first-of-its-kind achievement in freight movement to the Valley. The rake was loaded at the Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on January 21 and completed its journey within 24 hours, despite adverse weather conditions that had disrupted unloading operations a day earlier.
Until now, foodgrain movement to Kashmir by rail was limited to mini rakes of 21 wagons, carrying around 1,384 metric tonnes per consignment. The successful transition to full-rake operations follows sustained coordination between Indian Railways and the Food Corporation of India (FCI), aimed at cutting logistics costs and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Officials said the move is expected to significantly reduce dependence on road transport and heavy truck traffic along national highways, which often remains vulnerable to weather-related disruptions. Full-capacity rail transportation will not only lower freight and logistics costs but also ensure faster and more dependable movement of essential commodities, helping maintain adequate buffer stocks in the Valley, particularly during harsh winter months.
The development is seen as a major step towards strengthening the foodgrain distribution network in Kashmir, improving availability for local households and reinforcing supply resilience during periods of snowfall and highway closures. It also brings environmental benefits by reducing fuel consumption and emissions associated with long-haul road transport.
The successful movement of foodgrain builds on earlier rail-based transportation of apples, cement and fertilisers, reflecting the growing role of rail logistics in supporting sustained economic activity in the region.
The milestone highlights the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), among the most ambitious railway engineering projects undertaken in independent India. Even as winter conditions challenge surface connectivity, the expanding all-weather rail network is emerging as a dependable lifeline for trade, logistics and essential supplies in the Kashmir Valley.
