In a major step toward improving the transport of perishable horticultural produce from Kashmir, a high-level delegation from the Fruit Association, Fruit Mandi, Parimpora, Srinagar, has secured a dedicated cargo train service for cherry shipments from Katra to Mumbai and other key markets across India. The delegation, led by Bashir Ahmad Basheer, President of the Association, along with Ali Mohammad Reshi and Mohammad Yaseen Bhat, held discussions with railway authorities in Jammu to finalize the logistics.
The negotiations resulted in the attachment of a VPU (Parcel Van Unit) with Train No. 19028 Vivek Express, with a carrying capacity of 25 tonnes. The parcel van will depart from SVDK Station (Katra), requiring advance payment for the full load, regardless of the actual quantity shipped. The arrangement aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market returns by ensuring safe and timely transportation of the highly perishable cherry crop.
Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, a cherry grower from Tangmarg, recounted the losses he suffered last year due to road closures that prevented his bumper crop from reaching markets. This year, however, he looks forward to better returns with the launch of the first cargo train service. The inaugural shipment of 24 tonnes of cherries will be flagged off from Katra to Bandra Terminus in Mumbai on June 3. The journey, covering approximately 2,000 kilometers, is expected to take about 30 hours, ensuring freshness upon arrival.
The service marks the first VP indent registered from the Jammu railway division and is seen as a turning point for freight logistics in Jammu and Kashmir's horticultural sector. Previously, growers relied on a combination of road and air transport, both of which posed significant cost and reliability challenges. Cherry growers, who earlier shipped only small consignments and suffered losses, can now access more economical and consistent shipping. The freight cost has been reduced to just Rs 8 per kilogram, offering a substantial economic advantage.
Efforts are also underway to attach a VPU with Train No. 12472 Sawraj Express, which would further bolster the supply chain for cherry growers. Delegation members plan to visit Katra to oversee the operational logistics.
The move has sparked optimism among fruit growers across the region. Apple traders, in particular, believe that the infrastructure established for cherry shipments could be extended to apples, Kashmir's largest horticultural product. Union Minister Jitendra Singh hailed the development as a milestone in linking Kashmir's agricultural economy with national markets.
Source 1: The Kashmir Monitor
Source 2: Ziraat Times