Srinagar, Sept 21 (KDC): Railways have emerged as a key support system for Kashmir’s apple economy this harvest season, transporting nearly 4.57 lakh apple boxes from the Valley to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir in just one week.
According to official figures, the bulk of the shipments originated from three major stations. From Budgam, eight trains carried 94,388 boxes, while nine trains from Anantnag moved as many as 3,45,215 boxes. Baramulla contributed one trainload with 18,298 boxes. In total, 457,901 boxes were dispatched by rail.
A senior railway official told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that “We ensured additional trains were pressed into service to facilitate timely movement of apple consignments. Railways are committed to supporting the horticulture sector by providing reliable and cost-effective transport options.”
The availability of train services has eased the load on road transport along the Srinagar–Jammu highway, which continues to handle thousands of apple-laden trucks daily. Growers and traders say the combined use of rail and road has been essential in maintaining steady supplies to wholesale markets in Delhi, Jammu, and other distribution hubs. (KDC)
