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| Historic Step | | | The launch of a parcel train service carrying apples from Budgam to Delhi is a historic step. It will cut travel time by nearly half and save produce from rotting due to frequent closures of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that a daily time-tabled parcel train from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, would begin from September 13. “With the Jammu-Srinagar line operational, the Kashmir Valley has better connectivity. Railways is introducing a daily time-tabled parcel train from Budgam in Kashmir Valley to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi starting 13th September 2025. Loading of 2 parcel vans carrying apples from Budgam to Delhi is beginning today,” Vaishnaw posted on X.
Fruit from Kashmir reaching Delhi through train is a dream come true for the people associated with the apple industry. It will go a long way in giving a boost to the Valley’s horticulture sector.
For a sector that contributes significantly to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP and provides livelihood to lakhs of families, this is more than just a logistical upgrade—it is an economic lifeline.
The symbolism of this initiative is equally important. For years, fruit growers have demanded dependable alternatives to road transport. The new service addresses this longstanding grievance by institutionalizing rail connectivity for perishables. It is not just a train carrying apples—it is carrying the aspirations of thousands of orchardists who can now hope for better returns and less wastage of their hard-earned produce.
The introduction of this service also reflects the broader vision of integrating Kashmir more closely with India’s economic mainstream. With the Jammu-Srinagar railway line now fully operational, the Valley is no longer isolated during times of natural disruption. This seamless connection to Delhi, one of the country’s largest consumption hubs, means that Kashmiri apples can compete more effectively in national markets, reducing dependence on middlemen and exploitative pricing structures.
Moreover, the initiative will have a multiplier effect. Better transport will encourage farmers to increase production, invest in improved techniques, and diversify into other high-value crops.
Ultimately, the parcel train service is not just about apples; it is about confidence. It is about assuring Kashmiri growers that their produce will not rot on the highway, that their toil will fetch fair returns, and that their economy is being woven into the national growth story.
This historic step by Indian Railways is, therefore, both practical and symbolic. It answers an old problem with a modern solution. And in doing so, it lays the tracks for a more prosperous, connected, and hopeful future for Kashmir’s horticulture sector. |
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