Kashmir’s First Cherry Cargo Train from Katra to Mumbai

Kashmir has taken a big step in fruit transport. For the first time, fresh cherries from the valley will be sent by train from Katra (Jammu) to Mumbai. This new service will help small farmers who could not afford to send their fruits by air earlier.

What is special About this Train Service?

The Jammu railway division has started a special service by registering a VP indent, which means a full parcel van has been booked. A total of 24 tonnes of fresh cherries will be transported in a refrigerated van attached to a goods trains. The journey will take just over 30 hours from Katra to Mumbai.

Why is this Important for Cherry Growers?

Until now, cherry growers in Kashmir had to use expensive air cargo to send their fruits to cities like Mumbai. But this was too costly for small farmers, and many could not afford it. As cherries spoil quickly, they need to be delivered fast.

Now, with this new cargo train, farmers like Manzoor Bhat from Ganderbal are hopeful. He said, ”Air transport was too expensive. Now we can grow more cherries and send them to bigger markets.”

Cherry Harvest Time in Kashmir

The cherry season in Kashmir is from May to June. Every year, Kashmir produces around 12,000 to 14,000 metric tonnes of cherries. The train service has come at just the right time to help during the peak harvest.

A Big Help for the Economy

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, president of the All Kashmir Fruit Growers Union, said that this train is a big breakthrough. He explained that many farmers couldn’t afford air cargo, but now rail transport gives them a cheaper and better option.

He also said they are trying to add parcel vans to other trains, like the Paschim Express from Amritsar.

A Problem that Needs a Solution

One challenge is that Indian Railways asks for full advance payment for the entire 25-ton parcel van, even if farmers don’t have enough cherries to fill it. Since cherry harvest changes daily, this rule makes it hard for growers. Talks are going on with the railways to fix this issue.

A Bright Future for Kashmir Fruits

If this train run is successful, more trains may follow. This will make it easier and cheaper to send not just cherries, but also other fruits from Kashmir to big cities and even for exports from Mumbai port. This could greatly help the economy of Kashmir and improve the income of local farmers.