| First time full-length freight train, carrying nearly 2768 tonnes of rice reaches Kashmir | |    | Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 24: Just two days ahead of Republic Day, Indian Railways achieved another major milestone as the first full-length freight train carrying foodgrains arrived at the Anantnag Goods Terminal in south Kashmir on Saturday, marking a significant step in strengthening the Valley’s supply chain through the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
The 42-BCN wagon rake, loaded with rice, was dispatched from Sangrur Goods Shed in Ambala Division in coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and reached Anantnag within a record time of 24 hours. This is the first time a complete rake of 42 wagons—carrying around 2,768 tonnes of rice—has reached the Kashmir Valley directly by rail.
A spokesperson of Indian Railways said, “In a landmark development, for the first time, a full 42-BCN foodgrain rake has arrived at Anantnag Goods Terminal from Sangrur Goods Shed of Ambala Division.”
Despite recent rain and snowfall affecting unloading operations, railway staff completed the process smoothly under the supervision of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal. “This achievement significantly enhances the logistics capacity of the Kashmir Valley and ensures uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to traders and the general public,” Singhal said.
Railway officials said the new freight movement will improve the availability of foodgrains in the Valley and reduce dependence on National Highway-44, which frequently faces disruptions due to weather-related closures, especially during winter months.
Northern Railway reiterated its commitment to promoting food security and economic development in Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring faster and more reliable transportation of essential commodities when road connectivity is affected.
Earlier, on December 21, 2025, an FCI foodgrain goods train with 21 BCN wagons had reached Anantnag from Ajitwal Goods Shed of Firozpur Division, carrying around 1,384 tonnes of foodgrains. The latest movement doubles that capacity and signals the start of regular, higher-volume rail-based supplies to the Valley.
The Railways and FCI have jointly initiated the foodgrain freight service to Kashmir, which is expected to significantly strengthen the region’s supply and distribution network. Officials said that in the coming months, foodgrains and other essential commodities are likely to be transported directly to Kashmir by rail from different parts of the country, benefiting both traders and consumers.
The USBRL has also recently proved its strategic importance. In September 2025, it witnessed the first exclusive Army freight train running from BD Bari near Samba to Anantnag, carrying 753 metric tonnes of Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) supplies for Army units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. The development marked a major boost to the Army’s logistics capability in the region.
Earlier, logistical support to Kashmir largely depended on road convoys, which are often disrupted during winters and the monsoon season due to snowfall and landslides. The operationalisation of the rail link is expected to further strengthen supply lines not only for Kashmir but also for forward areas towards Kargil and the Ladakh sector. | | |
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