Srinagar, Sep 11: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced a significant boost for Kashmir’s apple growers, unveiling a daily time-tabled parcel train service from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi starting September 13, 2025.
In a post on X, Vaishnaw said, “Empowering Kashmir’s apple growers. With the Jammu–Srinagar line operational, the valley now has better connectivity. Railways is introducing a daily time-tabled parcel train from Budgam to Delhi from 13th September 2025.”
The minister added that the first loading of two parcel vans carrying apple consignments has already begun, marking the initial step towards easing the logistical challenges caused by highway disruptions.
This initiative comes at a crucial time as thousands of apple-laden trucks remain stranded on the Srinagar–Jammu highway due to landslides, putting Kashmir’s horticulture sector under stress. Growers and traders have welcomed the move, saying the rail service will ensure timely transportation of apples to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir, mitigating significant losses.