J&K Gets Dedicated Parcel Train: Budgam-Delhi Service Starts Sept 13
LG Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah Applaud PM Modi,Railway Minister for J&K Apple Train.
Srinagar: Fruit growers in Kashmir have welcomed the launch of a trial parcel train service for transporting apples to Delhi, which is expected to significantly reduce travel time and minimize spoilage due to frequent highway closures.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday that the daily time-tabled parcel train from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, will commence on September 13, 2025. This initiative is seen as a major improvement in connectivity for the Kashmir Valley, especially with the operational Jammu-Srinagar line. On the inaugural day, two parcel vans loaded with high-quality Kashmiri apples departed from Budgam, one heading to Delhi and the other to Jammu. The Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed their gratitude to the Railway Minister for facilitating this service, which is coordinated by the horticulture department to support local fruit growers. Varun Mital from Fine Valley Agri Farms highlighted the critical timing of this initiative, noting that the previous transportation time to Delhi was around 36 hours, which will now be reduced to approximately 20 hours. This improvement is expected to enhance the quality of fruit reaching markets. Mital also pointed out the adverse effects of the closure of National Highway-44, which had led to significant losses for growers, with some experiencing up to 100% loss in certain fruit varieties. The trial included two cargo coaches carrying about 3,000 apple boxes, totaling around 36 tons. Each railway container has the capacity to hold up to 23 tons of fruit. Mital praised the government’s swift action in launching the service, emphasizing its benefits for growers and the reduced dependency on the highway. Additionally, starting September 15, a special daily VP train will operate from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, carrying eight parcel coaches primarily for apples. This service is anticipated to provide a reliable transportation route for Kashmir’s apple economy, significantly reducing losses due to highway blockades. Security measures will be in place, with collaboration between local police and the Railway Protection Force to ensure safe operations.
