SRINAGAR: Good news for Kashmir’s apple growers as Indian Railways began loading fresh apples on two dedicated Vehicle Parcel trains, each comprising eight wagons and capable of carrying 23 metric tonnes of fruit per train. Officials said more wagons will be added if demand rises, a PIB handout said.
The trains, part of a proactive initiative by Indian Railways, are aimed at facilitating the transport of apples from the Valley to major markets in Delhi. From September 13, a daily time-tabled parcel train will run between Badgam in Kashmir and Adarsh Nagar in Delhi, offering individual traders and fruit growers the option to book Vehicle Parcels online through the portal www.fois.indianrail.gov.in
The eight-vehicle parcel train will depart from Badgam Railway Station at 6:15 AM and is scheduled to reach Adarsh Nagar by 5:00 AM the next day, ensuring early morning delivery of fresh apples to the Delhi market. Indian Railways has also allowed attachment of Vehicle Parcels at intermediate stations to accommodate varying requirements.
Northern Railway officials, including the Principal Chief Commercial Manager and the Divisional Railway Manager of the Jammu Division, are coordinating closely with state authorities, the horticulture department, fruit growers’ associations, and traders to ensure smooth operations.
The introduction of these parcel trains follows the successful arrival of a 21-wagon cement freight train in Anantnag in August, a move that marked a milestone in connecting Kashmir to the national freight network and is expected to boost infrastructure projects and reduce costs in the region.
The cargo services will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, inaugurated in June this year by the Prime Minister, which already supports two Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar running at over 100 percent occupancy. The rail link has significantly improved connectivity, offering both passenger and freight services that are accessible, efficient, and timely.
