Indian Railways Starts Apple Parcel Services from Kashmir to Delhi
Kashmir’s apple growers received a major boost today as Indian Railways began loading fresh apples onto two parcel vans, each consisting of eight wagons. The move will allow apples from the valley to reach the Delhi market quickly and efficiently.
Each parcel van will carry 23 metric tonnes of apples, ensuring that growers have a reliable transport option for their produce. Indian Railways has also assured that more wagons will be added if demand increases.
Daily Parcel Train from Badgam to Delhi
To further support fruit growers, Indian Railways will introduce a daily time-tabled parcel train between Badgam and Adarsh Nagar from 13 September. This service is designed to give traders and growers flexibility, with the option to book parcel vans online through the portal.
According to the schedule, the 8-van parcel train will depart from Badgam at 6:15 AM and reach Adarsh Nagar in Delhi at 5:00 AM the following day. The early morning arrival will ensure apples reach the Delhi market at the best time for trading.
Indian Railways has also made provisions to attach vans at intermediate stations along the route, with readiness to run more such trains depending on demand.
Strengthening Rail Connectivity in Kashmir
The initiative comes at the peak of apple season and follows recent milestones in freight connectivity for the valley. On 9 August, the first freight train carrying 21 wagons of cement successfully arrived at the Anantnag Goods Shed from Punjab. This marked a key step in linking Kashmir with the national freight network, lowering costs and accelerating infrastructure projects in the region.
The new freight services are part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June. The link also operates two Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar, both running at over 100% occupancy. These high-speed trains provide passengers with affordable, comfortable travel while strengthening economic and social ties across the region.
Indian Railways’ latest efforts underline its commitment to boosting Kashmir’s economy, offering apple growers better market access and ensuring faster delivery to major trade hubs.