Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Indian Railways on Monday launched its first high-capacity daily parcel train service from Srinagar to Delhi. The train, flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, will provide farmers, particularly apple growers, with a reliable and fast alternative that will shield them from disruptions caused by the adverse weather conditions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. It was flagged off from the Nowgam Railway Station and is scheduled to reach Delhi on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration, LG Sinha described the initiative as a "golden chapter" in the rail history of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the service would directly benefit farmers. “This is not just a train service; it is a new chapter in developing Jammu and Kashmir and contributing to Viksit Bharat. Apple growers, who often faced huge losses due to highway closures, will now be able to send their produce without fear of spoilage,” Sinha remarked.
The new train, known as the Joint Parcel Product Rapid Cargo Service (JPP RCS), will depart daily at 6:00 am from Srinagar and reach Delhi's Adarsh Nagar within 24 hours. It will halt at Bari Bramhana and Jammu along the route. The train is equipped with eight parcel vans, one with a 23-ton capacity and the rest ranging between 160-170 tonnes.
Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar called the launch a “golden moment” for the region. “This train will carry apples and a limited quantity of walnuts, but its potential extends to many other products. The fixed schedule will allow farmers and traders to manage shipments seamlessly,” Kumar said.
Dr. Manoj Singh, member of the Railway Board, revealed that on its first run, the train carried apples worth Rs 2.5 crore. “This service marks a landmark joint effort by the Railways to support Kashmir’s horticulture industry,” he added.
