J&K LG, CM Hail Railways for Launching Apple Parcel Train from Kashmir to Delhi
Railways initiative offers timely relief to Valley’s apple industry amid highway disruptions
Srinagar, Sept 11: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday thanked the Ministry of Railways for launching a dedicated daily parcel train service from Budgam to New Delhi to transport apples, a move expected to provide timely relief to the Valley’s fruit growers.
The service, beginning September 13, will streamline apple transportation to national markets, cutting delays caused by repeated highway closures. The inaugural loading of two parcel vans carrying apples from Budgam to Delhi started today.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement on X, writing, “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.”
LG Manoj Sinha welcomed the move, calling it a “huge relief” for growers at a crucial stage of the harvest season. “My deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji,” his office posted on X.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed gratitude to the Railway Ministry for supporting Kashmir’s horticulture sector, particularly during the ongoing disruption of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway due to heavy rains and landslides.
Growers and traders have described the initiative as a lifeline, ensuring uninterrupted supply of Kashmir’s prime produce to major markets outside the Valley.
