SAHIL BHAT
SEPT 11: In a major relief to Kashmir’s apple growers, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced daily parcel train will be launched from September 13 from Budgam to Delhi.
The move is aimed to impart massive respite to people associated with horticulture, as the industry was facing severe loss amid the closure of Jammu-Srinagar NHW.
In a post on X, Vaishnaw said: “With the Jammu-Srinagar line operational, the Kashmir valley has better connectivity. Railways is introducing a daily time-tabled parcel train from Badgam in Kashmir Valley to Adarsh Nagar station in Delhi starting 13th September 2025.
The post added, “Loading of 2 parcel vans carrying apples from Budgam to Delhi is beginning today.”
In this regard, LG Manoj Sinha posted on X, “The daily parcel-train from Budgam to New Delhi will bring huge relief to apple growers. My deepest gratitude to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji.”
CM Omar Abdullah posted on X, “Chief Minister has expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw for support, as train parcels have now reached Kashmir. Horticulture Department is coordinating the transportation with the fruit growers.”
Pertinent to mention, the Jammu-Sriangar National Highway was blocked at several points owing to massive landslides and mudslides triggered through the torrential rains that wreak havoc across Jammu Division.
As per the reports, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been opened on Thursday. It is learnt that the Traffic plying on Mughal Road/SSG Road/Sinthan road as per advisory. NH-44 has not been fully restored at Tharad. Because of this, only one-way movement of LMVs from Jammu towards Srinagar has been allowed.
