Budgam: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that parcel train service from Kashmir to New Delhi will give a major boost to the economy.
Talking to reporters after flagging off the Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo Service from Nowgam Railway Station here, LG Sinha said, ” The start of a daily time-tabled train carrying horticulture produce to the National Capital is a major relief for fruit growers. I am thankful to Railways for the initiative.”
He said, “We have seen due to topographical issues and inclement weather conditions National Highway gets blocked some times. The closure causes loss to perishable goods. Introduction of railway parcel services is a big leap towards resolving this problem.”
Meanwhile, Railway officials said that the parcel service will operate between Budgam and Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi, with a scheduled stop at Bari Brahmana in Jammu. The train has eight parcel coaches of 23-ton capacity each and will initially transport apples and walnuts.
They added the facility is expected to streamline logistics, allowing timely loading and reducing transit losses. The first train carried fruit worth ₹2.5 crore and reached Delhi within 24 hours.
According to railway authorities, a similar 15 coach VP train will soon operate from Anantnag to carry fruits, especially apples.—(KNO)
