Katra halt point highly disappointing: Fruit Growers

The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, an elected umbrella body representing fruit growers from Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla, Handwara, Chari-Sharif, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Jablipora, Pachahar, and Zazan Ganderbal, has expressed disappointment over the decision to operate the Vande Bharat Express trains on the Katra-Srinagar route instead of the anticipated direct Delhi-Kashmir route. While the union welcomed the Katra-Srinagar rail connectivity and appreciated the upcoming inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, 2025, they stated that the current arrangement fails to address their logistical challenges and economic needs.

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, president of the association said that the fruit growers had high hopes that the direct operation of Vande Bharat Express trains between Delhi and Srinagar would significantly boost the horticulture industry, ensuring the smooth and expedited transport of fresh produce to key markets. However, the announcement on January 3, 2025, limiting the train route to Katra-Srinagar has dashed these expectations, the association said.

The union pointed out that this arrangement requires passengers to switch trains at Katra to continue their journey to Delhi, which is both inconvenient and impractical for transporting perishable goods like fruits and vegetables.

Adding to their grievances, the union highlighted the absence of a separate goods train to facilitate the quick and direct shipment of fresh produce from the valley to Delhi. They argued that direct rail connectivity would not only enhance the horticulture trade but also generate economic opportunities for the railway authorities and bolster Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.

The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has called upon the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister, and the Chief Secretary to intervene and urge the Ministry of Railways to reconsider their decision. They have requested the immediate introduction of a direct Vande Bharat Express train from the valley to Delhi, emphasizing that this step would benefit both the general public and the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.