Fruit growers, business bodies welcome
Srinagar, Sep 11: Kashmir’s fruit growers and business associations on Thursday hailed the launch of the first-ever dedicated parcel train service from Budgam to New Delhi, calling it a long-awaited step towards securing the Valley’s horticulture economy.
The Union Railway Minister on Thursday announced that a daily time-tabled parcel train will operate from Budgam railway station to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi.
The two parcel coaches attached to the train would transport fresh apple produce from across the Valley to major mandis in different states.
The initiative comes as a major relief for growers and traders who have long struggled with disruptions along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the only surface link for transporting fruit outside Kashmir.
The highway, prone to landslides and blockages during inclement weather, has often left trucks carrying perishable produce stranded for days, inflicting heavy losses on the sector.
Kashmir’s horticulture industry, the mainstay of its economy, generates an annual turnover of more than Rs 20,000 crore and provides nearly 9 crore mandays of employment.
Welcoming the move, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Javid Ahmad Tenga, said the decision comes at a “crucial time” for the Valley’s fruit sector.
“The launch of a daily parcel train service for transportation of apple consignments is expected to provide much-needed relief to the horticulture sector by ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and time-bound connectivity with major markets,” he said.
Tenga said that the new service is not just about convenience but about saving livelihoods.
“The horticulture sector has been reeling under recurring losses because of frequent highway closures. This train service will safeguard the quality of Kashmir’s apples, reduce costs for growers, and instill confidence in traders. It is a step that will directly strengthen Kashmir’s economy,” he said.
The KCCI also urged the government to expand the service further.
“Given the scale of Kashmir’s horticultural output, we appeal for an increase in the number of parcel trains in the coming months and extension of similar services to other regions and markets,” the Chamber said, assuring full cooperation to make the initiative successful.
Chairman, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, described the move as “a historic intervention” for the horticulture sector.
“For decades, growers have faced uncertainty and losses because of highway closures. A daily parcel train will revolutionise the way our apples reach the markets, preserving quality and ensuring timely arrivals,” he said.
However, Basheer also stressed the need for scaling up.
“The current service with two parcel coaches can carry only around 4 truckloads of apples, while during the peak season, growers in Kashmir dispatch produce for more than 100 days. To truly meet the sector’s needs, more such services must be introduced without delay,” he said.
President of the Kashmir Trade Alliance, Aijaz Shahdhar, also welcomed the announcement.
“This service will boost Kashmir’s economy at a time when growers desperately need relief. Our fruit industry sustains millions of families, and uninterrupted connectivity is its lifeline. The introduction of the parcel train is a positive beginning, but we hope the government will enhance capacity and extend the service to more destinations,” he said.
Fruit growers across Kashmir echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that the initiative will mark the beginning of a more secure and efficient supply chain for one of Kashmir’s most vital industries.
