JAMMU — The Railway Board has approved the launch of a Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo (JPP-RCS) train from Budgam in Kashmir to Delhi, aimed at providing fruit and handicraft traders with a reliable transport alternative.
The train, equipped with an SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) and eight parcel vans, will run daily from Budgam railway station to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi, the Northern Railway’s Jammu division said in a statement.
In its first year, the service will operate on a pilot basis, with security managed by Jammu and Kashmir Police at both ends.
Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager for Jammu Division, said the initiative is designed to promote freight transportation by rail.
“It is a virtual aggregation platform connecting the participation of railways and the private sector. This cargo train is being operated for the first time in the Jammu division,” he said.
He added that the service will start soon, with reduced registration fees for bookings.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the train is intended to support Kashmir’s traders by ensuring timely delivery of apples, saffron, walnuts, Pashmina shawls, carpets and other handicrafts across India.
The train is expected to reach Delhi in about 23 hours—faster than road transport from Budgam. Facilities for loading and unloading will also be available at Bari Brahmana in Samba district.
“This initiative is aimed at increasing the share of railways in the courier business and providing an efficient, reliable and economical option to customers,” the statement said.
Officials said the service will not only boost marketing of Kashmir’s unique products across India and abroad but also generate new employment opportunities. — (PTI)