In an initiative to connect Kashmir Valley’s fruit industry and parcel trade with national markets, the Northern Railway organized a stakeholders meeting. The meeting, held in Srinagar, aimed to enhance rail-based parcel movement from the Valley, positioning rail as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to road transport. Key stakeholders, including Jammu’s Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, parcel traders, fruit growers, and cargo aggregators, attended the meeting to strategize on increasing parcel traffic from the region.
The objective of the meeting was to develop a roadmap for boosting parcel traffic originating from the Valley. Discussions focused on utilizing the rail route as a more dependable and time-bound option for transporting cherries and other fruit produce. Strategic decisions were made to enhance the occupancy of the JPP-RCS parcel train, ensuring timely delivery of goods to traders. Collaborative efforts with cargo aggregators were agreed upon to facilitate small-scale traders and producers in efficiently transporting their goods via trains.
Plans were shared during the meeting regarding the enhancement of loading facilities at various railway stations in the region, including Badgam, Srinagar, and Pampore. The Railway administration discussed proposals to offer competitive freight rates and introduce special concession schemes for aggregators making bulk bookings, aiming to further stimulate parcel traffic. The objective remains to establish a seamless supply chain that enables farmers and traders in Kashmir to transport their goods across the country without delays, emphasizing the role of Railways in the economic prosperity of the region.
The railway link connecting the Valley from Katra town in the Jammu division was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June last year.
