Mohammad Badrudduja
In the misty orchards of Gutlibagh, Ganderbal, where cherry trees bow gently under the weight of their ruby-red fruit, a quiet transformation is unfolding in Kashmir’s horticulture sector. On May 31, 2025, a historic milestone was achieved as the first dedicated cherry cargo train, carrying 24 tonnes of premium Kashmiri cherries, chugged out of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station toward Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus. This initiative, a first for the region, promises to redefine how Kashmir’s delicate produce reaches India’s bustling markets, cutting transit times and boosting the livelihoods of farmers.
A Time-Honored Harvest Meets Modern Innovation
As dawn breaks over Ganderbal’s rolling hills, farmers begin their day with a ritual as old as the orchards themselves—handpicking, sorting, and packing cherries into wooden crates. For families who have tended these trees for generations, the cherry harvest, though fleeting at three to four weeks, is a vital lifeline. “This season is short but crucial,” says Bilal Ahmad, a 38-year-old farmer from Gutlibagh. “Until now, we relied on trucks, praying the cherries would survive the grueling six-to-seven-day journey to cities like Delhi or Mumbai. Many didn’t.”
The introduction of the cherry cargo train changes this narrative. What once took nearly a week by road now takes just 30 to 32 hours by rail. This leap in logistics ensures that Kashmir’s cherries—renowned for their sweetness and delicate texture—arrive fresher and faster in premium markets. Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Northern Railway’s Jammu division, describes the initiative as a “landmark moment.” He adds, “After extensive discussions with the horticulture department and fruit grower associations, we’ve made this possible. It’s a win for farmers, railways, and the horticulture economy.”
A Farmer’s Hope on Rails
The launch of the cherry cargo train has sparked optimism among growers. Ali Mohammad, a senior member of the New Kashmir Fruit Association, was present at Katra to oversee the loading of the first shipment. “We transferred the cherries directly from trucks to the train at 10 AM,” he explains. “This has slashed both time and costs. Previously, we had to book shipments from Amritsar, which was a logistical nightmare. Katra is much closer, but our real dream is to load directly from the Valley.”
The train’s departure was advanced from its original June 3 schedule to meet rising demand, with two more shipments—one from Katra and another from Jammu—already planned for the following week. This swift response underscores the railway’s commitment to supporting Kashmir’s farmers, who see the initiative as a game-changer. “The rail cargo gives us hope,” says Faisal Ahmad, a young grower, holding a ripe cherry. “This fruit is fragile, but our dreams are resilient. If we can deliver it fresh, the world will savor Kashmir’s essence.”
The Missing Link: Srinagar’s Rail Dream
While the Katra-to-Mumbai cherry train is a significant step, farmers and traders are eagerly awaiting the completion of the Srinagar-Jammu rail link, a long-pending project that promises to fully integrate Kashmir with India’s rail network. Though technically complete, the corridor’s formal inauguration, initially slated for early May, was delayed due to adverse weather. No new date has been confirmed, leaving growers hopeful yet impatient. “Imagine loading cherries and apples directly from Srinagar or Sopore,” Ali Mohammad muses. “Less transit time, less spoilage, and more profits for us. We urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prioritize this link.”
Economic Ripples and Future Horizons
The first cherry cargo train carried 24 tonnes of high-grade fruit destined for Mumbai’s premium markets. Horticulture officials and railway authorities believe this is just the beginning. Dr. Vijay Atri, a Horticulture Officer, emphasizes the broader impact: “This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about transforming Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture economy. Efficient supply chains are key to doubling farmer incomes, and this train is a vital step forward.”
Plans are already in motion to extend this model to other Kashmiri fruits, including apples, plums, pears, and apricots. “Once we prove the cherry model’s success, scaling up will be swift,” Atri adds. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which contributes significantly to the region’s economy. In 2024, Jammu and Kashmir produced over 2.5 million metric tonnes of fruit, with cherries alone fetching premium prices in metropolitan markets.
Capturing a Season of Hope
As the cherry cargo train rolled toward Mumbai, visual journalist Umar Dar captured the season’s essence in Gutlibagh. His photographs of farmers at work, cradling cherries with care, reflect not just a harvest but a community’s aspirations. The images tell a story of resilience, tradition, and hope—a fitting backdrop to this transformative moment.
A Journey Beyond Cherries
The cherry cargo train is more than a logistical triumph; it’s a symbol of connectivity and economic revival for Kashmir’s fruit growers. As the Valley prepares for the upcoming plum and apple seasons, all eyes are on policymakers to deliver on the promise of full rail integration. Until then, the cherry express carries forward a cargo of red, ripe promise, bridging Kashmir’s orchards to India’s metropolises and heralding a new era for its horticulture.
(Note: Mohammad Badrudduja a corporate professional with a multinational firm, blends expertise in strategy with a passion for storytelling. Based in India, her work highlights social and economic shifts, bringing to life stories like Kashmir’s cherry cargo train with insight and empathy)
