A new daily parcel train service between Budgam and New Delhi is set to commence in September 2025, marking a significant development for apple growers in Kashmir. This initiative, approved by the Railway Board, aims to provide a faster, more direct, and reliable transportation system for the region's apple produce to reach national markets.
The Joint Parcel Product–Railway Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) will operate on a pilot basis for one year. The train will consist of eight parcel vans and one second luggage rake (SLR). Covering a distance of 845 km under electric traction, the train is expected to complete the journey in approximately 23 hours. The train will depart from Adarsh Nagar railway station at 5:30 hrs and arrive in Budgam at 6:15 hrs the following morning. The return service will leave Budgam at 10:45 hrs, with scheduled stops for loading and unloading.
This new service is expected to significantly reduce the dependence on road transport, which is often subject to delays caused by landslides, adverse weather conditions, and traffic congestion on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. By offering a weather-resilient alternative, the JPP-RCS train aims to minimize post-harvest losses and maximize profits for apple growers.
According to a senior official at Northern Railways, Budgam is poised to become a key fruit-loading hub in the valley. The new train service is projected to transport thousands of cartons of apples daily to Delhi's Azadpur Mandi and other markets. The timing of the service is particularly beneficial as it coincides with the peak apple harvest season in Kashmir.
Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar hailed the service as a "lifeline" for apple growers, ensuring timely delivery to markets and reducing reliance on roads prone to disruptions. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal added that the JPP-RCS will empower local farmers by facilitating the delivery of apples, saffron, walnuts, handicrafts to various parts of India, thus boosting the region's economy.
Local apple growers have expressed their enthusiasm for the new train service. Mohammad Altaf, an apple grower from Pattan Baramulla, emphasized the importance of timely delivery during the apple season and how the train service will help prevent losses caused by highway closures.
To ensure the security of the cargo, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will be deployed at originating points, en-route stoppages, and crew-changing stations. The service can be booked through the Virtual Aggregation Platform (VAP), further streamlining the process for traders.
