First Freight Train Carrying Industrial Salt from Gujarat Reaches Kashmir, Marks Milestone in Rail Connectivity
Jammu, Oct 17: In a major step towards enhancing freight movement and trade connectivity between the country’s western and northern regions, the first-ever freight train carrying a consignment of industrial salt from Gujarat successfully reached south Kashmir on Friday. The 21-wagon train, loaded with 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt from the Kharaghoda Goods Shed in Gujarat, arrived at the Anantnag goods terminal, marking a new milestone in the logistics operations of the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, confirmed the successful operation, describing it as a significant development in rail-based freight logistics for Jammu and Kashmir. “The Jammu Division of Northern Railway today received the first 21-wagon consignment of industrial salt from Gujarat at the Anantnag goods shed. This consignment highlights the growing role of Indian Railways in connecting key industrial hubs across India,” he said.
The industrial salt, primarily used in the tanning, pulp, soap, and brick kiln industries, is a critical raw material for various manufacturing and processing sectors. The introduction of direct rail freight to the Valley is expected to ensure a steady and uninterrupted supply of such industrial commodities, while also reducing transportation costs and turnaround time.
Officials said the initiative will lessen dependency on road transport, which often faces disruptions during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and road closures along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway. “Rail connectivity provides an all-weather, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution for bulk cargo movement. This consignment will pave the way for more such industrial freight operations to and from the Valley,” an official added.
The Northern Railway has been gradually expanding its freight services in Jammu and Kashmir over the past few months. The movement of goods now includes apples from Kashmir to Delhi, Maruti vehicles to the Valley, and other commercial consignments—showcasing how the Banihal–Baramulla rail corridor is emerging as a key economic lifeline.
Officials from the Commercial Department said that the arrival of this freight train from Gujarat opens new opportunities for trade and industrial collaboration between Kutch and Kashmir, two regions known for their strategic economic importance. “It strengthens inter-state trade relations and promotes a seamless supply chain for industries dependent on bulk materials,” they noted.
Uchit Singhal further added that the Indian Railways remains committed to facilitating efficient freight movement across the Union Territory. “This operation demonstrates our focus on industrial development, improved logistics, and regional economic integration. Such initiatives are part of a larger plan to strengthen the freight ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Industry experts have also welcomed the development, saying it will reduce the cost of industrial inputs, boost manufacturing activities in south Kashmir, and encourage more businesses to use railways for freight movement.
The successful arrival of the industrial salt train thus represents not just a logistical achievement but also a symbol of India’s growing emphasis on regional connectivity, economic resilience, and sustainable transport infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
