Srinagar: In a major boost to freight transportation and trade infrastructure in Kashmir, Northern Railway has operationalised a new Goods Shed at Pampore railway station, making it the second freight handling terminal in the Valley after Anantnag.
The facility, inaugurated by the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, is expected to significantly improve cargo movement, reduce logistics costs for traders and farmers, and strengthen the rail-based supply chain across the region.
Located on the Baramulla-Sangaldan rail section, the Pampore Goods Shed has been opened with immediate effect following approval from the competent authority. Railway officials said the facility will play a key role in supporting the movement of agricultural produce, construction material and other commercial goods while easing pressure on the existing goods shed at Anantnag.
The goods shed will operate daily from 6 am to 10 pm, with the facility to book half-rake consignments. It will handle both inward and outward freight traffic, with all commodities permitted except Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) and coal.
Railway authorities said the terminal has been developed in compliance with operational norms and environmental guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal and the State Pollution Control Board.
The facility witnessed an encouraging response on its very first day of operations. On July 15, Northern Railway received two freight train indents for Pampore. One consignment comprising 21 BCN wagons of UltraTech Cement was booked from Bharatgarh station in Ambala Division, while another 21 BCN wagons carrying ACC and Ambuja Cement was booked from Kiratpur Sahib, reflecting early confidence among traders in the new freight terminal.
Officials said the opening of the goods shed is expected to particularly benefit fruit growers, farmers and traders in Kashmir, who previously depended largely on distant freight terminals for dispatching their produce and goods. The new facility is expected to cut transportation time and logistics costs, improve cargo handling efficiency and ensure quicker movement of consignments.
Besides facilitating trade, the goods shed is also expected to generate local employment in loading, unloading, transportation and allied logistics services. Railway authorities believe the improved freight infrastructure will stimulate economic activity across the Valley while increasing freight revenue for the Railways, which can be utilised for further development of passenger amenities.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, described the project as a major step towards strengthening trade infrastructure in Kashmir.
“Jammu Division is continuously striving to meet the needs of trade and industry. The inauguration of the Goods Shed at Pampore is a major gift for the business community of Kashmir Valley. Receiving two freight indents on the very first day itself reflects the confidence of traders and indicates that this facility will play an important role in meeting the region’s logistics requirements,” he said.
The Railway administration has appealed to trade bodies, industrial units and other stakeholders to make full use of the new facility, stating that enhanced rail freight services would contribute to both regional economic growth and the expansion of railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
