First-ever rail shipment of exotic bulls reaches Kashmir, boosts dairy sector prospects
Kashmir receives exotic breeding bulls from Bengaluru via rail under animal husbandry programme
- Historic livestock consignment arrives in Valley through USBRL, marks new freight milestone
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 6: In a landmark development for Jammu and Kashmir’s dairy and livestock sector, the first consignment of exotic breeding bulls has been successfully transported from Bengaluru to the Union Territory through railway parcel vans, with the shipment reaching Budgam railway station in the Kashmir Valley on Friday.
Officials said the movement of 23 exotic bulls was carried out under the breeding development programme of the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department and facilitated by Northern Railways, marking the first time that livestock has been transported over such a long distance to Kashmir by rail.
Of the total consignment, six bulls were unloaded at the Bari Brahmana goods shed in Jammu, while the remaining 17 were offloaded at the Budgam goods shed in central Kashmir. The animals were carefully transported in specially designed parcel vans to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the journey.
“The parcel train originated from Bengaluru in Karnataka and passed through several states before reaching the Valley via the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL),” officials said, describing the operation as a major logistical achievement.
They added that strict Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms were followed and special chambers were used to maintain proper ventilation, hygiene and space, ensuring the welfare of the animals during transit.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal said the initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to the region’s dairy sector.
“The arrival of these high-quality exotic bulls will help improve the genetic quality of local cattle breeds in Kashmir and substantially enhance milk production capacity,” Singhal said.
He pointed out that transportation by rail has not only reduced costs compared to road transport but has also ensured safe and timely delivery, even in challenging weather conditions that often disrupt surface connectivity to the Valley.
“This initiative will directly benefit dairy farmers by increasing productivity and income, and it could usher in a new phase of growth for the dairy sector in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Railway officials said the successful movement of livestock by rail demonstrates the growing capability of the freight network in the region and opens up new possibilities for transporting agricultural produce, livestock and allied commodities on a larger scale.
“This success clearly shows that Kashmir is now well integrated with the national freight network. It will facilitate smoother trade and movement of agricultural and animal husbandry products in the future,” Singhal said.
Officials from the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department said the exotic bulls will be deployed at designated breeding centres and farms, where they will be used for genetic upgradation of local cattle through scientific breeding practices.
They added that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the livestock sector, improve rural livelihoods and enhance overall agricultural productivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The first-of-its-kind rail transportation of exotic bulls is being seen as a milestone in leveraging rail connectivity for the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the Union Territory, while also showcasing the expanding role of railways in supporting economic growth beyond passenger services.
