Srinagar: In a significant boost for Kashmir’s apple industry, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced the launch of a daily parcel train from Budgam to Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar station, starting September 13, 2025.
Posting on X, Vaishnaw said, “Empowering Kashmir’s apple growers. With the Jammu–Srinagar rail line now operational, the valley enjoys improved connectivity. Railways is introducing a daily parcel train from Budgam to Delhi starting 13th September 2025.”
He added that loading of two parcel vans carrying apple consignments from Budgam to Delhi has already begun, marking the first step toward easing transport disruptions caused by highway closures.
The announcement comes amid widespread delays on the Srinagar–Jammu highway, where landslides have left thousands of apple-laden trucks stranded, putting the region’s horticulture sector under strain.
Growers and traders have welcomed the initiative, noting that the new rail service will help reduce losses and ensure timely delivery of Kashmir’s prime produce to markets across India.
