Srinagar: Parcel trains were launched by the Indian Railways to transport Kashmiri apples amid the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir. A day after the launch of these trains, railway officials on Monday said that they will run more parcel trains in future.
The announcement was made by the Railways during an interaction by Additional Member Railway Board (MOBD) and senior officials with apple traders, fruit growers and farmers in Anantnag district of Kashmir Valley.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, explained the purpose of running trains to the traders, the importance of rail traffic compared to road traffic and how Indian Railways will help Kashmiri apple growers to transport their fruits to national markets quickly and efficiently.
‘More parcel trains will be added in future’
During this, he was apprised of difficult situations like closure of highways. Singhal said in a statement, “Currently apples are being transported from Kashmir to Delhi and other areas through parcel freight trains. More parcel trains will be added in future.”
Freight movement of apples started
Railways has started freight movement of apples between Budgam and Adarsh ​​Nagar railway stations in Delhi from Saturday. This decision has been taken after running parcel trains from Katra to Mumbai stations during the cherry season. Earlier, the MOBD had operated the important railway section from Katra railway station to Budgam, which also included the iconic Anji and Chenab bridges.
Detailed inspection of Katra railway station
Singhal said that a detailed inspection of Katra railway station was done, which included passenger lounges, restaurants, shopping areas etc. He said that the inspection also included operational preparedness, safety measures, structural integrity and overall progress of the route, especially Anji Bridge and Chenab Bridge.
