23–24 hour transit to cut delays, protect perishable goods like apples, cherries
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar : In a significant push to improve logistics for traders in the Kashmir Valley, Indian Railways has announced the operation of a dedicated parcel train service between Adarsh Nagar Delhi and Budgam, beginning April 17.
The ‘Joint Parcel Product – Rapid Cargo Service’ (JPP-RCS) train (Nos. 00461/00462), introduced by the Jammu Division, will run until May 31 on a trial basis. Officials indicated it could be converted into a regular service depending on demand and utilisation.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, said the decision to operationalise the service was taken in response to consistent demand from traders and farmers.
“In view of the persistent demand, we have decided to run the Adarsh Nagar–Budgam parcel train from April 17. Our objective is to provide a fast, safe and economical mode of transport to fruit growers and handicraft traders in the Kashmir Valley,” he said.
The move is expected to provide much-needed relief to fruit growers and handicraft traders in the Valley, who have long relied on road transport, which is vulnerable to weather disruptions and delays.
According to railway officials, Train No. 00462 will depart Budgam at 6:15 am and reach Adarsh Nagar in Delhi at 5 am the following day.
On its return journey, Train No. 00461 will leave Delhi at 5 am and arrive in Budgam at 10:45 am the next day. The train will halt at Bari Brahmana and Ambala Cantt stations, allowing traders to load and unload consignments en route.
The parcel train will consist of eight parcel vans and one seating-cum-luggage rake, designed to handle bulk cargo efficiently. Officials said the service is tailored to meet the needs of the Valley’s trade sector, particularly during peak seasons for horticulture and handicrafts.
Railway authorities said the service will reduce transit time to approximately 23–24 hours, offering a faster alternative to road transport, which often takes longer due to traffic congestion and weather-related disruptions along the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
“This will ensure that perishable goods like apples, cherries and other fruits reach markets in better condition, minimising losses for growers,” an official said.
Apart from speed, the rail service is also expected to bring down transportation costs, making it a more economical option for traders. The initiative is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen the economy of Jammu and Kashmir by improving market access for local products.
Key items expected to be transported include saffron, walnuts, Pashmina shawls and a range of handicrafts, which have strong demand across major urban markets.
The introduction of the service comes at a time when stakeholders have been seeking more reliable logistics solutions to ensure timely delivery of goods, especially during peak harvesting seasons.
If successful, officials said the service could pave the way for more dedicated freight corridors linking the Valley with major markets across the country, reducing dependence on road transport and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
