In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir's connectivity and economic landscape, the first-ever freight train reached the Kashmir Valley on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The train, carrying 1,400 tonnes of cement, arrived at the newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed from Rupnagar in Punjab, marking a significant milestone in integrating the Kashmir region with the national freight network.
The arrival of the freight train is expected to boost the local economy by reducing transportation costs and ensuring year-round connectivity, overcoming the frequent disruptions caused by landslides and road closures on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievement, stating it's a "great day for commerce and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir," and that the development will enhance progress and prosperity.
The inaugural freight train was loaded with 21 BCN wagons of cement. The 600-kilometer journey from Rupnagar, Punjab, to Anantnag was completed in less than 18 hours. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Northern Railway, emphasized the importance of the event, noting that it marks the first-ever cement loading specifically for this facility, highlighting its readiness to support a new era of logistical and economic growth in the Kashmir region.
The cement transported by the train will be used for vital infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, public infrastructure, and residential housing in the Kashmir Valley. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Railway Minister, shared the news on social media, stating that the railway network would reduce costs for citizens living in the Kashmir Valley. He called the event a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley to the national freight network.
The seamless execution of the logistics involved placing a request with Northern Railway on August 7, 2025, at 23:14 hrs. Rake placement occurred the following day at 09:40 hrs, and loading was completed by 18:10 hrs on August 8, 2025. The train departed from the Gujarat Ambuja Cement Limited (GACL) facility in Rupnagar, Punjab, at 18:55 hrs. An Electric WAG-9 locomotive hauled the freight, showcasing the modern capabilities of the national railway network.
This landmark event also marks the operational debut of the newly commissioned Banihal-Sangaldan-Reasi-Katra section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. With this development, the Kashmir Valley is now fully integrated into the Indian Railways freight corridor, enabling seamless movement of goods to and from the region. Furthermore, the reliable channel is expected to aid in transporting the region's horticultural produce, especially apples, to markets across the country.
