Jammu, May 24: Marking a major milestone in agricultural logistics for Jammu and Kashmir, the region is set to dispatch its first-ever dedicated cherry cargo train to Mumbai next month. In a move designed to streamline the transportation of perishable produce, the Jammu railway division has registered its first VP indent—a formal request for a full parcel van—for the shipment of cherries from Katra railway station to Bandra in Mumbai, scheduled for departure on June 3.
The initiative, led by Northern Railway’s Jammu Division in close coordination with the Horticulture Department and fruit grower associations, aims to reduce the reliance on road transportation, minimize post-harvest losses, and ensure quicker access to distant markets. Speaking on the development, Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Northern Railway, Jammu, highlighted the transformative potential of this effort.
“This marks a significant step towards revolutionizing the way perishable goods like cherries are transported from Jammu and Kashmir. The dedicated parcel van, with a cargo capacity of 24 tons, will be attached to a goods train departing from Katra and is expected to reach Bandra in Mumbai within 30 hours,” said Mr. Singhal.
He added that the initiative is expected to be highly beneficial to all stakeholders involved—from fruit growers and traders to end consumers—by preserving fruit quality through faster transit and reducing transport-related damages. “If successful, this model could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in the future. It’s a win-win for the railways, the horticulture sector, and the overall economy of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
The decision to utilize railways for cherry transportation comes in the backdrop of increasing demand for more efficient and climate-resilient logistics infrastructure to support the region’s horticulture produce. Traditionally, perishable fruits like cherries have been transported via road, which is not only time-consuming but also prone to damage due to the region’s challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The upcoming train service is also expected to reduce vehicular traffic on highways, lower carbon emissions, and offer a cost-effective solution to long-distance fruit transportation. If this pilot shipment proves successful, officials anticipate expanding the service to include other fruits and vegetables during peak seasons.
The move has been widely welcomed by fruit growers in the region, who see it as a much-needed logistical support to boost their income and market outreach. The project is part of a broader push to enhance agricultural infrastructure and market linkages in Jammu and Kashmir, with railways playing a key role in connecting remote production zones to urban consumption centers.