New Train Service Delivers Cars Directly from Manufacturing Plants to Kashmir
Maiden rail dispatch of 116 vehicles improves logistics, reduces travel time, and boosts accessibility for customers in the Valley.
Srinagar, Oct 3: Kashmir witnessed a logistics milestone on Friday as the first automobile rake from the Jammu Division of Northern Railway delivered 116 Maruti Suzuki vehicles directly from the company’s Manesar plant to the Anantnag Goods Shed. The vehicles included popular models such as Brezza, Dzire, WagonR, and S-Presso.
Previously, new cars had to be driven over 300 km from Jammu along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, often facing delays due to road closures in winter or landslides. The new rail dispatch ensures smoother, faster, and safer transportation, marking Maruti Suzuki as the first automobile manufacturer in India to leverage Indian Railways for Kashmir deliveries.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw called the development a “game-changer” for Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the rail line had already facilitated apple transportation from the Valley and will now streamline vehicle logistics. Maruti Suzuki CEO Hisashi Takeuchi emphasized that the railway dispatch is central to the company’s logistics strategy, supported by in-plant railway sidings at Manesar and Gujarat, aligning with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
Local dealers welcomed the move, saying it will save time, prevent wear and tear on vehicles, and ensure better availability for customers. Irfan Ahmad Narwaroo, Managing Director of Jamkash Vehicles, said the rail service eliminates the need to drive vehicles through challenging terrain, benefiting both dealers and buyers.
The initiative marks a significant step in improving connectivity and logistics for the automobile sector in Kashmir, enhancing efficiency and customer experience.
