1st fertiliser freight train reaches Anantnag goods terminal
Jammu, Jan 13: In yet another crucial milestone for Jammu Railway Division vis-à-vis bolstering agricultural logistics and supply chain in the Kashmir valley, the maiden freight train, carrying fertilisers, reached the Anantnag goods terminal from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.
Jammu Railway Division authorities revealed that the freight train, consisting of 21 BCN wagons, carried approximately 1339 tons of PDM (Potash Derived from Molasses) fertiliser from Indian Potash Limited.
They informed that the Jammu Railway Division was also in contact with other major fertiliser companies to bring freight train rakes directly to the Anantnag rail terminal.
Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division, asserted that the direct arrival of the fertiliser freight train at Anantnag terminal would reduce dependence on road transport and make fertilisers more readily available to farmers in the Valley.
The initiative, he said, was expected to reduce transportation costs and expedite the distribution process, ultimately benefiting local farmers.
“Jammu Railway Division of Northern Railway is marching ahead, achieving milestones in freight transportation. The division is witnessing a steady increase in the arrival of various goods and commodities through inward rakes. Today, another significant achievement was made, marking a crucial milestone in the agricultural logistics and supply chain in the Kashmir Valley. This will ensure a seamless and timely supply of fertilisers to farmers in the Kashmir valley, representing a significant benefit to the agricultural sector,” Singh said.
“Considering its significant benefits and utility, this will boost agricultural production in Kashmir and ensure the uninterrupted availability of fertilisers to farmers during the crucial sowing season,” he maintained.
Besides, he said, the efficient unloading and storage of bulk goods, especially fertilisers, brought by the freight train would benefit traders and farmers. “This will also ensure economic development alongside the agricultural sector, boost local markets, strengthen the agricultural ecosystem in the region, and create new opportunities in logistics and related sectors,” Singh said.
Lauding the arrival of a freight train carrying fertilisers as “another historic achievement”, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, said, “This has been made possible by the continuous marketing efforts of the division, which will bring about a transformation in the fertiliser logistics supply chain in the valley.”
“The Jammu Railway Division is also in contact with other major fertiliser companies to bring freight train rakes directly to the Anantnag rail terminal. Such an achievement is a significant moment for boosting connectivity and trade in Kashmir. Such initiatives underscore the railways’ commitment to improving infrastructure and strengthening the integration of the valley with the rest of the country,” Singhal asserted.
