The flagging off of two dedicated parcel trains from Budgam to Delhi and Jammu is a welcome step for Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector. For decades, growers have relied almost entirely on road transport, often at the mercy of weather disruptions, highway closures, and mounting costs. This move to rail-based logistics signals both foresight and commitment by the authorities.
The decision could not have come at a better time. The Valley’s apple growers are grappling with frequent rains, untimely weather patterns, and post-harvest losses. Faster and more reliable transport ensures that apples reach markets in prime condition, securing better prices for farmers. It also cuts transit time and reduces dependence on trucks, where delays often translate into financial setbacks.
However, this should not remain a symbolic gesture limited to the inaugural trains. The real impact will be felt only if the service continues throughout the harvest season and beyond. A sustained operation will ease freight costs, strengthen market linkages, and give growers a dependable alternative. Rail transport, if institutionalized, can help farmers recover losses inflicted by climate vagaries and volatile markets.
The long-term vision must be to make dedicated parcel trains a permanent part of Kashmir’s post-harvest supply chain. Regular schedules, transparent freight rates, and coordination with growers’ associations can ensure maximum benefit. Parallel investment in cold storage and last-mile connectivity will make the system even more effective.
The authorities deserve credit for opening this new chapter. But appreciation must be matched with consistent follow-up. Kashmir’s apple industry, the backbone of its rural economy, needs not just symbolic interventions but sustained support. If the momentum continues, railways could well become the lifeline of the Valley’s horticulture sector, bringing both stability and prosperity to thousands of farming families.
