Says new train service to Delhi reduces losses from highway disruptions
Srinagar, Sep 15(KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the first dedicated parcel train from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi, marking a new initiative aimed at improving transportation facilities for apple growers and traders of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “ushering in a new era of trade and business” for the Valley’s horticulture sector. He said the dedicated service would provide a faster and more economical mode of transport for apples and other perishable commodities.
“This freight train service will significantly reduce transit time and increase income opportunities for thousands of farmers, boosting the agricultural economy of the region,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that frequent disruptions along the national highways, due to topography and heavy rains, often caused losses to growers. He said the newly introduced rail service would ensure daily transport of apple consignments and other perishables, strengthening market linkages across the country.
The Parcel Train Service, introduced under the Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service, will operate on all days and is designed to carry a variety of parcel commodities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe eight-van coach has a total capacity of about 180 tonnes, with each coach carrying up to 23 tonnes. Bookings can be made online for full vans, while smaller consignments will be accepted offline.
According to officials, the train will depart from Budgam at 6:15 a.m., halt at Bari Brahmana in Jammu between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and reach Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi at 5:30 a.m. the following day.
The event was attended by Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments; Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu; Dr Manoj Singh, Additional Member Railway Board (Marketing & Business Development); Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Vivek Gupta, IGP Railways; Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Budgam; Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager; along with other senior officials from the Railways, civil and police administration.(KNS).