LG Manoj Sinha flags off first dedicated parcel train for Kashmir apples

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the first dedicated parcel train carrying Kashmir’s apples from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi.

Calling the move a “big step” for the Union Territory’s apple growers, the LG said the new freight service would help farmers transport their produce swiftly to different parts of the country.

Advertisement

After flagging off the train, Sinha posted on X: “Grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for ushering a new era of trade and business for apple growers and traders of the Valley. This initiative will significantly reduce transit time, increase income opportunities for thousands of farmers, and boost the agricultural economy of the region.”

Indian Railways has announced that eight parcel van coach trains will operate between Budgam and Adarsh Nagar, Delhi. Each coach has a carrying capacity of 23 tonnes.

The launch comes at a crucial time, as recent landslides on the Srinagar–Jammu highway had left hundreds of apple-laden trucks stranded, with much of the produce at risk of rotting. Last week, cargo trains had already started transporting the yield to ease farmers’ losses.

Speaking on the occasion, the LG said: “We are happy to be a part of this important initiative, which will contribute to the economic development of the region. The new parcel cargo train service aims to provide a fast, safe and reliable transport option for various products and goods.This will help in delivering goods to their destination on time and will also reduce logistics costs”

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Agriculture Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Javid Ahmad Dar, Additional Member of Railway Board Dr. Manoj Singh, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Jammu Vivek Kumar, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, Railway Area Chief Manager (Kashmir Valley) Saqib Yusuf, along with senior officers and representatives of the local business community.

Calling it a “historic achievement,” DRM Vivek Kumar said the initiative reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to nation-building and the new parcel cargo train is a testimony to this commitment. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said that the new Budgam–Adarsh Nagar service is set to “revolutionize freight transportation and give a major boost to trade and industry in the region.”