KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, April 16: In a significant step aimed at strengthening trade connectivity and easing logistical challenges for Kashmir’s producers, Northern Railway is set to introduce a daily parcel train service between Delhi and Budgam from April 17. The initiative is expected to provide a faster, more reliable, and cost-effective transport alternative for fruit growers and handicraft exporters who have long grappled with uncertainties in road-based supply chains.
The service, officially termed the Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS), will initially operate on a trial basis until May 31. Railway authorities indicated that the service may be converted into a permanent operation depending on its performance and cargo occupancy during the trial period.
According to railway officials, the new service has been designed to significantly reduce transit time while ensuring the safe movement of perishable and high-value goods from Kashmir to major markets in the country. The train operating from Budgam, numbered 00462, will depart at 6:15 am and is scheduled to reach Adarsh Nagar in New Delhi at 5:00 am the following day, covering the journey in approximately 23 to 24 hours.
On the return leg, train number 00461 will leave Adarsh Nagar at 5:00 am and is expected to arrive in Budgam at 10:45 am the next day. The near 24-hour turnaround is seen as a major improvement over road transport, which is often delayed due to weather conditions, highway congestion, and other disruptions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The parcel train will make scheduled halts at Bari Brahmana in Jammu and Ambala Cantonment in Haryana to facilitate loading and unloading of goods. Officials noted that the halt timing at Bari Brahmana has been revised in response to feedback received from traders, indicating a consultative approach in planning the service.
The train composition will include eight parcel vans along with one seating-cum-luggage coach, allowing for both cargo handling and limited staff movement. This configuration is expected to cater to a substantial volume of goods, particularly during peak export seasons.
Railway authorities emphasized that the service is strategically aimed at boosting the economic prospects of Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring timely delivery of key products such as saffron, walnuts, pashmina shawls, and a wide range of traditional handicrafts. These products, which form the backbone of the region’s export economy, often suffer losses due to delays and damage during transit via road.
The introduction of this dedicated cargo corridor is also expected to enhance market access for local producers, enabling them to reach national markets more efficiently and competitively. Improved logistics could help farmers and artisans secure better prices for their products while reducing dependence on intermediaries.
Officials further stated that the initiative comes in response to persistent demand from traders, growers, and industry stakeholders who have been advocating for a dependable rail-based cargo solution. The service aligns with broader efforts to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the national supply chain network.
If the trial proves successful, the daily parcel train could mark a turning point in the region’s transportation landscape, offering a sustainable and resilient alternative to road transport and contributing to long-term economic growth in the Union Territory.
