Parcel train service from Kashmir to Delhi will boost economy: Lt Guv
Flags off Rapid Cargo Train from Srinagar
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that parcel train service from Kashmir to New Delhi will give a major boost to the economy.
Talking to reporters after flagging off the Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo Service from Nowgam Railway Station here, LG Sinha, said, “The start of a daily time-tabled train carrying horticulture produce to the National Capital is a major relief for fruit growers. I am thankful to Railways for the initiative.”
He said, “We have seen due to topographical issues and inclement weather conditions National Highway gets blocked some times. The closure causes loss to perishable goods. Introduction of railway parcel services is a big leap towards resolving this problem.”
Meanwhile, Railway officials said that the parcel service will operate between Budgam and Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi, with a scheduled stop at Bari Brahmana in Jammu. The train has eight parcel coaches of 23-ton capacity each and will initially transport apples and walnuts.
They added the facility is expected to streamline logistics, allowing timely loading and reducing transit losses. The first train carried fruit worth ₹2.5 crore and reached Delhi within 24 hours.
According to railway authorities, a similar 15 coach VP train will soon operate from Anantnag to carry fruits, especially apples.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering a new era of trade and business for apple growers and traders of the Valley.
“It will significantly reduce transit time and increase income opportunities for thousands of farmers and boost the agricultural economy of the region,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated the Indian Railways for dedicated freight train service between Budgam to New Delhi.
“The 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. This will provide a faster and more economical transportation mode, strengthen market linkages and bring improvement in the lives and livelihoods of farmers,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the disruption of movement at national highways, due to topography and heavy rains, causes damage to fruit growers. The freight train service starting from today will transport apples and other perishable goods every day, he said.
The Parcel train Service (Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service) will be operational on all days and is suitable for all parcel commodities. The eight-Parcel-van coach train has the total weight capacity of around 180 tonnes (23 tonnes each coach). The booking for full parcel vans is available in online mode, while smaller consignments can also be booked through off-line mode. The Freight train departing from Budgam at 6:15 a.m., will makes a stop at Bari Brahmana Jammu from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will arrive at Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi at 5:30 a.m., next day.
Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments; Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu; Dr Manoj Singh, Additional Member Railway Board (Marketing & Business Development); Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Vivek Gupta, IGP Railways; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam; Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Uchit Singhal, senior Divisional Commercial Manager and other senior officials of Railways, Civil and Police administration were present.
