Rlys to run daily parcel trains for Kashmir’s apple growers from Sep 13

Announcing daily parcel trains for Kashmir apple growers between the Valley and Delhi from September 13, Indian Railways on Thursday said it is ready to run more such trains if further demand is received.

Considering the requirement of fruit growers from the Kashmir Valley to send their produce to major markets in Delhi, Indian Railways has taken proactive action.

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“Indian Railways has provided two Vehicle Parcel (LVPH coaches) trains for the transportation of apples. These Vehicle Parcel will be loaded today, and each will carry 23 metric tonnes (MT) of apples. Indian Railways is ready to provide additional Vehicle Parcel if demand is received,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

The Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway and Divisional Railway Manager of Jammu Division are in constant touch with state authorities, the horticulture department, fruit growers’ associations, and traders.

“As the major apple season begins, Indian Railways is introducing a daily time-tabled parcel train between Badgam and Adarsh Nagar from 13th September. This train will provide flexibility to individual traders and fruit growers to book one Vehicle Parcel online through the portal www.fois.indianrail.gov.in,” the statement said.

A notification for an 8 Vehicle Parcel (VP) daily time-tabled Joint Parcel Product- Rapid Cargo Service parcel train Adarsh Nagar-Bari Brahman-Badgam (Ex ANDI – BBMN – BDGM) has already been issued.

This 8 Vehicle Parcel train will originate from Badgam Railway Station (BDGM) at 6:15 AM and reach Adarsh Nagar Railway Station (ANDI) at 5:00 AM the next day, which is a very suitable time for apples to arrive at the Delhi market early in the morning.

“Indian Railways is also providing the facility to attach Vehicle Parcel at intermediate stations. Indian Railways is ready to run more such trains if further demand is received,” the statement further said.

On August 9, the first freight train carrying 21 wagons of cement successfully reached the Anantnag Goods Shed in the Kashmir Valley from Punjab, marking a significant milestone in connecting the region to the national freight network. This development will accelerate infrastructure projects across Kashmir and reduce costs for citizens living in the Kashmir Valley. It underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to boosting economic growth in the region.

The cargo services will be operational on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of India. This rail link was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year. This rail link also operates two Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar, both running at over 100 per cent occupancy. These trains offer passengers accessible, affordable, and comfortable travel while elevating railway transport to a whole new level.

Earlier in the day, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the introduction of a parcel train from Budgam in Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar railway station in Delhi.

In a post on X, he said, “Empowering Kashmir’s apple growers. With the Jammu-Srinagar line operational, the Kashmir valley has better connectivity. Railways is introducing a daily time-tabled parcel train from Budgam in Kashmir Valley to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi starting 13th September 2025. Loading of 2 parcel vans carrying apples from Badgam to Delhi is beginning today.”