news details |
|
|
| Landmark Achievement | | | In yet another landmark achievement first-ever foodgrain freight train reached Kashmir carrying approximately 1384 tonnes of rice.
Arrival of the freight train is a big leap towards connecting Kashmir to the national freight network. The economic implications of freight rail connectivity are significant. Over time, the availability of a reliable freight corridor is likely to encourage investment, boost trade, and generate employment, strengthening the Valley’s economic foundations.
The movement of freight trains will benefit people, enterprises and infrastructure projects without the risk of adverse weather conditions throughout the year and ease the pressure on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Kashmir getting connected with the rest of the country through train has made a huge difference. It has ended the Valley’s dependence on the highway. Earlier this year when the NH-44 was blocked due to landslides and inclement weather conditions, railways played a vital role in transporting apple boxes to the other parts of the country. For a region where horticulture forms the backbone of the economy, timely transportation is vital. The ability to move perishable produce swiftly and safely has protected farmers from heavy losses and ensured that Kashmir’s apples continue to reach consumers nationwide.
The Vande-Bharat trains running between Jammu and Srinagar cover the distance within 4-hours. The introduction of train service has brought Srinagar closer to Jammu. This enhanced accessibility has strengthened social, cultural, and economic ties, while also providing a comfortable and reliable alternative to road travel, especially during winter months. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed gratitude to PM Modi and Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw for making economic progress of J&K an integral part of Bharat’s rapid growth.
Taken together, the arrival of freight trains and the operation of high-speed passenger services signify a paradigm shift. Kashmir is no longer dependent on a single highway for its connection with the rest of the country. Instead, it now enjoys a multi-modal transport network that enhances resilience and reduces isolation.
This landmark achievement is not merely about tracks and trains; it is about dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. By linking Kashmir firmly to the national rail grid, the country has reinforced its commitment to equitable development and regional integration. As freight trains begin to roll regularly into the Valley, they carry not just foodgrains, but the promise of stability, growth, and a more connected future for the people of Kashmir. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
