New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said nearly 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported from the Kashmir Valley to markets across the country through the railway network, underlining the growing impact of rail connectivity on the region’s economy.
The Minister made the remarks while flagging off the extended Vande Bharat Express service linking Srinagar directly with Jammu Tawi, marking the first seamless passenger rail connection between the two regions.
Describing the development as a historic milestone, Vaishnaw said that passengers earlier had to change trains at Katra, but the new direct service now allows uninterrupted travel, making journeys faster and more convenient. He noted that the service has witnessed full occupancy since its launch, reflecting strong demand, and added that the introduction of a 20-coach train will significantly enhance capacity on this key route.
Highlighting the economic impact, the Minister said improved rail infrastructure is facilitating smoother movement of goods, including apples, dry fruits, Pashmina, carpets and cherries, enabling faster access to markets and better returns for producers. He added that freight operations have become more efficient, reducing transportation costs for essential commodities such as fertilizers and dairy products, and even bringing down prices of items like cement.
The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link has been central to this transformation, connecting the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network and enabling reliable, all-weather movement of both passengers and cargo. Vaishnaw also highlighted major engineering achievements such as the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, which have made rail operations possible in the region’s challenging terrain.
He said the train has been specially designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, and is equipped with advanced electronic and semiconductor-based systems. Efforts have also been made to enhance the travel experience by incorporating regional elements such as Dogri cuisine, allowing passengers to connect with the culture of Jammu and Kashmir during the journey.
Vaishnaw further noted that freight connectivity in the region is expanding rapidly, with new developments such as dairy cargo movement, e-commerce logistics linking the Valley with other parts of the country, and regular consignments of foodgrains, fertilizers and industrial goods reaching Kashmir by rail.
Looking ahead, he said infrastructure upgrades are progressing at pace, including redevelopment of Jammu Tawi railway station, line doubling projects, and plans for new rail links in the region. These initiatives, he added, will reduce dependence on road transport, improve reliability and open new avenues for trade, tourism and employment.
Calling the development a major step towards integration, the Minister said the expanded rail connectivity will strengthen economic linkages and make travel to Jammu and Kashmir more accessible for people across the country.
