Fruit industry in valley welcomes Parcel Train rollout
Arshid Ali
Srinagar, Sept 12: Kashmir’s apple industry growers have welcomed the Centre’s decision to launch a daily parcel train from Budgam to Delhi.
An apple grower Majid Malik said the move, though delayed, was a highly appreciable step that would ensure quicker transport and freshness of produce.
“Amidst staggering losses, this step is commendable. But Sopore must be included as it houses Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi. Only then will growers from north Kashmir also benefit and ensure timely supply of fruit outside the Valley,” Malik said, adding that the government should also increase the number of parcel vans.
He however noted that Kashmir’s fruit sector has already suffered losses of around ₹700 crore due to frequent highway closures. “We repeatedly demanded smooth passage for fruit-laden trucks, but little was done. Trucks must be released immediately to prevent further damage during this peak season,” he stressed.
Supporting the demand, growers at Sopore Mandi said the train service would save time and help preserve fruit quality. “We appreciate the step, but it must be extended to Sopore,” they said.
Growers in Pulwama also called the initiative “a new hope” at a time of mounting losses. “This is a long-pending demand finally fulfilled. It will reduce our dependence on the highway, which remains closed frequently,” they said.
Earlier, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced that Railways would operate a daily time-tabled parcel train from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar station in New Delhi starting September 13. He confirmed through a post on X that two parcel vans carrying apples from Budgam to Delhi had already been dispatched.
Meanwhile, Northern Railways announced that the daily time-tabled parcel train from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi will start from September 13, 2025. Online bookings for full parcel vans can be made at fois.indianrail.gov.in/RailSAHAY, while offline options will be available for smaller consignments.
Railways have fixed freight charges at ₹2.41 per kg from Kashmir to Delhi, with an assured delivery time of 24 hours. Officials said the service will provide a reliable, efficient, and cheaper mode of transportation for fruit from the Valley to Delhi.
For assistance, fruit growers and traders can contact Commercial Inspector Srinagar, Mr. Tariq Ahmad (+91-9596471400) and Chief Area Manager Northern Railways, Srinagar, Mr. Saquib Yusuf (+91-9797530910).
Earlier, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed through a post on X that two parcel vans carrying apples from Budgam to Delhi had already been dispatched, adding that the initiative would significantly ease transportation challenges for Valley’s fruit growers.
