Srinagar, Sep 12, KDC: Er Sahil Bashir Bhat, Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw for their decisive intervention in launching a special parcel train service from Budgam to Delhi to support Kashmir Valley apple growers and horticultural producers.
“This initiative demonstrates the BJP government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and the development of the Valley’s agriculture sector. Thanks to the vision of our hon’ble Prime Minister Modi and the proactive efforts of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, thousands of families who are dependent on horticulture will now have faster access to national markets and reduced post-harvest losses,” Sahil Bhat said.
The service comes as a major relief to fruit growers, who have suffered heavy losses due to the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway following flash floods and landslides. The Valley’s only all-weather road link has been closed for nearly two weeks, causing spoilage of apples and other perishable consignments.
Starting September 13, each special parcel train will carry about 18 tonnes of apples and cover the Budgam-to-Delhi journey in roughly 23 hours—about 12 hours faster than road transport. The service will also include loading and unloading facilities at Bari Brahmana station in Jammu to boost operations.
Bhat said that, “This train service is a lifeline for growers. It provides an alternative route when the highway becomes unreliable and ensures smoother access to markets. The move reflects the dedication of the Prime Minister and Union Minister to strengthen the Valley’s economy and support its farmers .
Besides apples, the train will also transport saffron, walnuts, carpets, pashmina shawls, and other Kashmiri handicrafts, expanding market access for a wide range of local products.
Sahil said the initiative is part of a broader push to improve logistics for perishable goods from Kashmir, following a similar successful effort earlier this year when cherry-laden trains were dispatched from Katra to Mumbai.
The horticulture sector generates nearly Rs 10,000 crore annually in Jammu and Kashmir and provides livelihood to around seven lakh families, making this intervention a timely and crucial step in protecting the Valley’s economy. (KDC)
