The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Sept 12: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir Chapter and its Agribusiness Committee have welcomed the Government of India’s decision to launch a dedicated daily parcel train from Budgam to Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar, calling it a landmark step for the region’s horticulture sector.
The service began today with the loading of two parcel vans of apple consignments from Budgam, offering long-awaited relief to farmers reeling under massive losses due to frequent closures of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Landslides and heavy rains had recently left hundreds of fruit-laden trucks stranded for over two weeks, causing spoilage and losses estimated at nearly ₹700 crore.
“This daily parcel train service is not just timely; it is a lifeline,” PHDCCI Kashmir said in a statement. “After catastrophic highway disruptions, this reliable rail alternative ensures our apples reach key markets like Delhi swiftly, without the risk of rotting on the road. It is a decisive step to safeguard the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.”
The initiative, facilitated by the Ministry of Railways and the UT administration, is expected to revolutionize logistics for Kashmiri apples and other perishables by providing an all-weather, high-capacity transport mode. It will reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen supply chains, and enable better returns for farmers.
Convenor of the Agribusiness Committee, PHDCCI Kashmir, added, “Today’s first dispatch marks a new dimension for the fruit industry. It paves the way for large-scale use of rail cargo for perishables and can be expanded into a sustainable model. This is a transformative step towards modernizing agri-logistics and protecting livelihoods.”
PHDCCI Kashmir said it will work closely with the government and railways to ensure smooth operations and expansion of the service, securing the future of the Valley’s horticulture industry.
