Railways deployed two parcel vans from Budgam to transport Kashmir’s fruits to Jammu and Delhi, helping growers amid NH-44 disruptions from landslides.
Parcel vans loaded with fresh apples leave Budgam Railway Station, offering relief to Kashmir’s fruit growers amid highway closures and weather disruptions (Photo: Pinterest)
Budgam: In a major relief for fruit growers in the Kashmir Valley, the Indian Railways has launched two dedicated parcel vans to transport fresh produce to Jammu and Delhi. The decision comes at a time when the region’s horticulture sector is facing mounting losses due to the continued closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) following landslides and incessant rains.
Railway officials confirmed that the two vans departed from Budgam Railway Station on Thursday morning. One is en route to Delhi, while the other is headed for Jammu, both carrying significant consignments of the Valley's famed apples.
“This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the produce of local growers doesn’t go to waste,” said a senior railway official at Budgam. “It’s a significant step to support the horticulture economy of Kashmir during this critical time.”
For the past two weeks, fruit-laden trucks have been stuck or forced to return due to road blockages, leaving traders and farmers distressed. Thousands of tonnes of perishable fruit risked rotting in the absence of viable transport options.
Local fruit growers welcomed the move and urged that such services be made a permanent feature during harvest seasons. “This has given us hope,” said a grower from Shopian. “Rail transport is faster and more dependable, especially when the highway gets blocked.”
Officials added that if the initiative succeeds logistically and economically, more parcel services could be added to other destinations, possibly including Mumbai and Kolkata.
The development is being seen as a game-changer for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which contributes significantly to the Union Territory’s economy. By offering an alternative to the often-closed highway, the rail service could become a lifeline for fruit exports in future seasons.
