First-ever freight train carrying cement from Punjab arrives in Kashmir

In a major development for regional connectivity, a freight train successfully reached the Anantnag goods shed in South Kashmir, the Northern Railway said on Saturday.

The train arrived for the first time from Rupnagar, Punjab, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network.

Northern Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said the arrival of the freight train, carrying cement, is set to accelerate infrastructure projects and improve living standards for the people of Kashmir.

Officials said the inaugural freight train was loaded with 21 BCN wagons of cement.

“The journey, spanning approximately 600 kilometers, culminated at the newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed today in less than 18 hours,” he said.

He added that this event marks the “first-ever cement loading specifically for this facility, underscoring its readiness to support a new era of logistical and economic growth in the Kashmir region.”

The spokesperson said the cement transported on this train will be used for crucial projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, public infrastructure, and residential housing in the Kashmir Valley.

Officials said the logistics for this groundbreaking journey were executed with precision.

“An indent was placed with Northern Railway at 23:14 hrs on August 7, 2024, with the rake placement occurring at 09:40 hrs the following day, i.e., August 8. Loading was completed by 18:10 hrs on August 8, 2024, with the train departing from the Gujarat Ambuja Cement Limited (GACL) facility in Rupnagar, Punjab at 18:55 hrs,” the spokesperson said.

The freight was hauled by an Electric WAG-9 locomotive, highlighting the modern capabilities of the national railway network.

Upadhyay said the arrival of this first freight train “is not just a logistical achievement but a powerful symbol of progress and integration, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous Kashmir Valley.”

In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra to Srinagar, with the train service providing major relief for travellers.