In a move poised to transform the apple trade in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the Union Territory’s first dedicated parcel train from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi—marking a major milestone for the region’s horticulture industry.
Standing on the Budgam railway platform, the LG lauded the initiative as a “big step” for Kashmir’s apple growers, offering them swift, safe, and affordable access to distant markets. This freight service, specifically designed for apple transportation, is expected to reduce travel time, minimize losses, and enhance profitability for thousands of farmers across the Valley.
Taking to social media platform X, Sinha expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
“Grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for ushering a new era of trade and business for apple growers and traders of the Valley. This initiative will significantly reduce transit time, increase income opportunities for thousands of farmers, and boost the agricultural economy of the region.”
Faster, Safer, Smarter Logistics
Indian Railways has announced eight parcel van coach trains to run between Budgam and Delhi, with each coach carrying up to 23 tonnes of produce. The timing of this initiative couldn’t be better. Recent landslides along the Srinagar–Jammu highway had left hundreds of trucks stranded, threatening to spoil large consignments of apples—a seasonal crop with a short shelf life.
As a proactive step, cargo trains had already started transporting the yield last week to help avoid significant losses. The new dedicated parcel service further builds on this support.
During the launch event, LG Sinha emphasized:
“This important initiative will contribute significantly to the economic development of the region. It’s not just about apples—this train service will open doors for other goods too, reducing logistics costs while ensuring timely delivery.”
A United Effort for Progress
The ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries including J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Railway Board Additional Member Dr. Manoj Singh, Divisional Railway Manager Jammu Vivek Kumar, and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, among others.
Calling the launch a “historic achievement,” DRM Vivek Kumar said this reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to inclusive growth and nation-building. Uchit Singhal added that the Budgam–Delhi service is set to revolutionize freight logistics and provide a major boost to regional trade and industry.
A Moment That Goes Beyond Infrastructure
This is more than a train journey—it’s a signal that Kashmir’s farmers are no longer isolated. It’s a commitment that their hard work won’t be lost to highway blocks or logistical delays. It’s hope packed in a freight coach, rolling forward on tracks that connect orchards to opportunity.
Let this train remind us that when systems support the people who grow our food, the entire nation grows stronger.
