A New Track for Kashmir’s Apple Farmers: LG Manoj Sinha Flags Off First Dedicated Parcel Train to Delhi
Budgam, Kashmir – In a defining moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the first-ever dedicated parcel train carrying fresh apples from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi. This marks a pivotal step toward strengthening the logistics network for local farmers and boosting the economic potential of the Valley’s apple industry.
“This is a big step for the apple growers of Jammu and Kashmir,” LG Sinha remarked during the inaugural ceremony. “The new parcel train service will enable swift transportation of produce to different parts of the country, reducing delays and opening up better market access.”
Shortly after the launch, the LG took to X (formerly Twitter), thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “ushering a new era of trade and business for apple growers and traders of the Valley.” He further emphasized how this initiative would reduce transit time, improve incomes for thousands of farmers, and catalyze growth in the region’s agricultural economy.
Indian Railways has confirmed that eight parcel van coach trains will operate on this route, each with a capacity of 23 tonnes per coach. The timing could not be more crucial—as recent landslides on the Srinagar–Jammu highway had halted the movement of apple-laden trucks, leaving farmers worried about their crops rotting in transit.
Recognizing this challenge, cargo trains had already started operating last week to mitigate further loss. The newly introduced parcel train is now expected to provide a fast, safe, and cost-effective logistics solution not only for apples but also for a range of products from the Valley.
“This train will deliver goods on time and reduce logistics costs,” LG Sinha affirmed. “It’s not just about apples—it’s about unlocking economic opportunity.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Agriculture Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Javid Ahmad Dar, Additional Member of Railway Board Dr. Manoj Singh, DRM Jammu Vivek Kumar, and other senior officials from the Indian Railways. Representatives of the local business community were also present, hailing the initiative as a much-needed game-changer.
Calling the moment a “historic achievement,” DRM Vivek Kumar highlighted that the train demonstrates Indian Railways’ commitment to nation-building. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal further noted, “This service will revolutionize freight transportation in Kashmir and significantly boost trade and industry.”
In the end, this is not just about logistics or transportation—it’s about dignity for the farmer.
It’s about seeing the fruit of months of hard labor reach consumers while still fresh and full of value. It’s about hope on rails, connecting Kashmir’s orchards with India’s markets, and reaffirming that no distance is too long when livelihoods are at stake.
This train isn’t just carrying apples—it’s carrying dreams.