In a significant boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s beleaguered horticulture sector, the first cargo parcel train departed from Nowgam railway station in Srinagar today, carrying a consignment of fresh Kashmiri apples and other produce destined for Delhi. Flagged off by local authorities amid fanfare from fruit growers and traders, the train is scheduled to reach the capital on Tuesday, marking a crucial step toward alleviating the economic strain caused by the ongoing restrictions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44). This development comes as growers continue their strike over delayed truck movements, highlighting the rail network’s emerging role as an alternative lifeline for the Valley’s perishable exports.
The consignment, comprising several tons of premium varieties like Gala and Red Delicious apples sourced from orchards in Sopore, Shopian, and Pulwama, represents the inaugural run of this dedicated freight service on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Organizers from the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association described it as a “ray of hope” for an industry that has been reeling from the floods and landslides that blocked NH-44 for nine days earlier this month. “We’ve waited too long for this; the highway ban has left our fruits rotting, but the train will get our produce to markets fresh and on time,” said Bashir Ahmad, a grower from Baramulla, who contributed a portion of his harvest to the shipment. The initiative is part of broader efforts to operationalize rail freight, following the successful delivery of Army supplies via USBRL yesterday.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. The recent heavy rains and cloudbursts have not only damaged infrastructure but also exacerbated supply chain woes, with vegetable and fruit prices surging in the Valley due to limited road access. Traders at Sopore’s Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi, which has been partially shut during the growers’ strike, welcomed the move, noting that it could prevent further losses estimated in hundreds of crores. The train’s journey, covering the 272-km electrified route with its engineering marvels like the Pir Panjal tunnel, underscores the government’s push for all-weather connectivity in a region vulnerable to monsoons. Northern Railway officials confirmed that more such parcel services are planned, potentially running daily during the peak harvest season to transport up to 23 tons per trip.
For the growers, who employ lakhs in the Valley, this rail option offers a glimmer of stability. Many recounted tales of desperation, with trucks stranded and produce discarded, forcing families to dip into savings. The association’s chairman emphasized the need for expanded services, including cold storage facilities at stations, to maximize benefits. As the train chugged out amid cheers, it symbolized not just logistical relief but a step toward economic revival in flood-battered Kashmir. With the NH-44 meeting underway today between CM Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, stakeholders hope for integrated solutions combining road and rail to safeguard future seasons.
This parcel train’s launch aligns with national initiatives to boost agricultural exports, potentially opening doors for Kashmiri produce in other metros. Local leaders, including those from the Awami Ittehad Party supporting the strike, urged sustained momentum, viewing it as a victory for persistent advocacy. As the consignment heads to Delhi’s Azadpur mandi, it carries more than fruits—it bears the hopes of an entire community striving to bounce back from nature’s fury.