PM Modi Hails First Freight Train to Kashmir as Boost for Commerce and Connectivity

News Delhi, 09-08-2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warmly welcomed the historic arrival of the first freight train to the Kashmir Valley, describing it as a transformative step for the region’s economic and logistical integration with the rest of the country. The milestone, he said, not only strengthens commerce but also brings new opportunities for growth and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The achievement was highlighted by Union Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who shared the news on social media. In response, the Prime Minister posted on X, calling it “a great day for commerce and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir” and affirming that the development would “enhance both progress and prosperity.”

The freight train’s arrival marks a pivotal moment in the Union Territory’s transportation history, opening a direct, efficient, and cost-effective freight corridor that is expected to benefit local industries, boost trade, and improve supply chain efficiency. It is also being seen as a major step towards fulfilling the long-standing vision of seamless railway connectivity to the Valley, a project that has faced decades of geographical and engineering challenges.

With freight services now operational, businesses in Jammu and Kashmir will have improved access to national markets, while essential goods and raw materials can reach the Valley more quickly and at reduced costs. Officials and industry stakeholders believe this connectivity will spur investment, create jobs, and enhance the competitiveness of local products in markets across India.