Srinagar: JK Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first dedicated parcel train from Kashmir to Delhi today, aimed at facilitating Valley fruit growers in transporting their produce efficiently.
The parcel train was flagged from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi.
“This new freight train service is a big step for the apple growers of the union Territory to transport their produce to different parts of the country,” the office of LG said on X.
Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in a new era of trade and business opportunities for apple growers and traders in the Valley.
“It’ll significantly reduce transit time & increase income opportunities for thousands of farmers & boost the agricultural economy of the region,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the flag off ceremony, Sinha said due to topographical issues and heavy rains, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway frequently remains shut, causing heavy losses to perishable goods.
“A better transport system has been started by the railway,” Sinha said.
According to Railways officials, the second consignment, scheduled to run from Budgam to Delhi, on September 16, is also fully booked.
Horticulture is the mainstay of Kashmir’s economy with seven lakh families directly and indirectly associated with the sector.
However, the frequent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, damaged by recent heavy rains, has left Kashmir’s apple industry reeling at the peak of the harvest season, as growers have been unable to transport their produce to markets outside the Valley, resulting in mounting losses.
