Special parcel train service puts life back on track for Valley fruit growers

With Indian Railways introducing a daily parcel train service between Kashmir and Delhi from Saturday, fruit growers in the Valley say the rail link could prove to be a “good and economical alternative” for transporting apples.

On Saturday, a goods train departed from Delhi to Kashmir. Meanwhile, the first train carrying fruit from Kashmir to Delhi is scheduled to depart on Monday. According to railway officials, the service has been well received by traders so far.

In the Valley, the new freight train service is being seen as a promising beginning. Growers, however, emphasise the need for Railways to address their concerns and ensure smooth operations.

Javid Ahmad, President of the Pulwama Fruit Association in South Kashmir, called the move a welcome step. “It is a good start and an appreciable initiative. It could be a great alternative, but Railways must ensure that fruit consignments are handled with the same care as they are in trucks. Growers want safe handling, especially in Delhi. Transportation should be hassle-free,” he said.

Ahmad added that if the service meets the expectations of growers, it could become a significant success—particularly during times when the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is closed due to rainfall.

A railway statement on Saturday said the first consignment of the train had been fully booked by traders and fruit growers. The second consignment, scheduled to run from Badgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, on September 16, is also fully booked.

On Saturday, a special freight train with 10 wagons departed from Anantnag Railway Station for Adarsh Nagar, Delhi. Railways noted that three wagons would stop at Bari Brahmana (Jammu), while the remaining seven carrying apples would go on to Delhi.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, said the initiative is expected to boost the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of the Sopore Fruit Mandi Association, also termed the initiative a good beginning for apple growers. However, he urged that the service be extended closer to Sopore, which houses Asia’s second-largest fruit market and is located in North Kashmir.

Bashir Ahmed, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-Cum-Dealers Union, pointed out that over 1,000 trucks leave Kashmir daily during the peak season—something the railway cannot currently match.

“Entire consignments cannot be transported by train on a daily basis right now. But this is just the beginning. The Railways have assured us that the number of wagons will be increased depending on demand,” he said.

An apple grower from South Kashmir emphasised the need for improved railway infrastructure in the Valley to meet farmers’ expectations. “Also, our market is not limited to Delhi. We want similar train services to other parts of the country. If Railways expand this initiative, it can become a great success,” he added.