The Northern Railway is launching a regular parcel train service connecting Delhi and Kashmir, aimed at providing significant relief to traders in the region. The new Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) train will operate between Adarsh Nagar in New Delhi and Budgam in central Kashmir, starting April 17. This initiative is particularly beneficial for fruit growers and handicrafts merchants in the Valley, promising a faster and more efficient mode of transportation for their goods.
The trial run for this service is scheduled to last until May 31, after which its continuation will depend on the occupancy levels. If successful, the parcel train will become a permanent fixture, further strengthening trade links between the region and the rest of the country. The introduction of this service reflects the Northern Railway’s commitment to supporting the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, Train 00462 is scheduled to depart from Budgam at 6:15 am and arrive in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar at 5:00 am the following day. The return journey, Train 00461, will leave Adarsh Nagar at 5:00 am, reaching Budgam at 10:45 am the next day. To facilitate seamless loading and unloading, the train will make scheduled stops at Bari Brahmana and Ambala Cantonment stations.
The timing for Train 00462 at Bari Brahmana Railway Station has been adjusted to better serve the trading community. This adjustment demonstrates the railway’s responsiveness to the needs of local businesses, ensuring the service is as convenient and efficient as possible. The special parcel train will consist of eight parcel vans and one seating-cum-luggage rake, providing ample capacity for various goods.
The railway authorities highlighted that this service offers significantly faster transit times compared to road transport, completing the journey in approximately 23-24 hours. This speed is particularly crucial for perishable goods such as apples and cherries, ensuring they arrive fresh at their destination. The faster transit is expected to reduce spoilage and maintain the quality of products, enhancing their market value.
The primary objective of this initiative is to bolster the economy of Jammu and Kashmir by facilitating the swift transportation of local products to markets across India. Key products that will benefit from this service include saffron, walnuts, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts. By providing a reliable and efficient transport option, the Northern Railway aims to support local industries and promote economic growth in the region.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated that the decision to run the parcel train on a regular basis from April 17 to May 31 was made in response to consistent demands from traders and farmers. (Uchit Singhal said, “Our primary objective is to provide fruit growers and handicraft traders in Kashmir with a fast, safe, and economical mode of transport.”) The Northern Railway is committed to addressing the logistical challenges faced by the business community in the region.
The introduction of the Delhi-Kashmir parcel train service is a significant step towards improving the transportation infrastructure and supporting economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir. By providing a fast, reliable, and cost-effective mode of transport, the Northern Railway is playing a vital role in connecting the region to markets across the country and boosting its economy.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.