J&K LG Manoj Sinha flagged off a daily parcel train from Srinagar to Delhi, boosting Kashmir’s horticulture economy amid highway closures and transport hurdles.
J&K LG Manoj Sinha flags off the first daily horticulture parcel train from Nowgam, Srinagar, to Delhi, supporting fruit growers amid transport disruptions.
Srinagar: In a significant move aimed at supporting Kashmir’s horticulture sector, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the first daily parcel train service from Nowgam Railway Station, Srinagar to New Delhi. The initiative, which marks a major step forward in improving logistics for fruit growers, is expected to ease transportation hurdles caused by the frequent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
Speaking to reporters at the launch, LG Sinha said, “The start of a daily time-tabled train carrying horticulture produce to the National Capital is a major relief for fruit growers. I thank the Indian Railways for this timely initiative.”
He added that Kashmir’s economy, which is heavily reliant on horticulture, has suffered significant losses in recent years due to highway disruptions caused by landslides and adverse weather. “This train service is a leap towards minimizing those losses and ensuring perishable goods like apples and walnuts reach markets in time,” Sinha said.
The new parcel service, a Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo initiative by Indian Railways, will run between Budgam and Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi, with an important stop at Bari Brahmana in Jammu. The first train comprised eight parcel coaches, each with a capacity of 23 tons, and carried fruit consignments worth ₹2.5 crore, reaching Delhi in under 24 hours.
Railway officials said that the train will initially focus on transporting apples and walnuts two of Kashmir’s primary horticulture products. A similar 15-coach train is also expected to operate soon from Anantnag, further strengthening the valley’s cold chain and supply network.
“This is not just a proud moment for Kashmir but for the entire Union Territory and the Indian Railways,” officials noted, highlighting the potential of this service to transform how Kashmiri produce reaches national markets.
