LG Manoj Sinha Launches First Parcel Train from Budgam to Delhi: A Boost for Kashmir’s Apple Farmers

On September 15, 2025, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first dedicated cargo parcel train from Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi. This new service, called the Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS), is a big relief for apple growers and traders in the Kashmir Valley. With recent heavy rains causing road closures and delays, this train will provide a faster, safer, and cheaper way to send fruits and other goods to markets across India.

The Jammu-Srinagar highway has been blocked by landslides and floods, making it hard for trucks to carry apples during the busy harvest season. This has led to big losses for farmers, as their fresh produce couldn’t reach buyers in time. The new parcel train solves this problem by allowing about 23-24 tonnes of apples and perishable items to be transported every day. The train leaves Budgam at 6:15 a.m., stops at Bari Brahmana in Jammu from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and arrives in Delhi by 5:30 a.m. the next day.

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LG Manoj Sinha, speaking at the event in Budgam Railway Station, said, “This service will not only bring down transportation costs but also ensure better market access for our products. It will strengthen connectivity between J&K and the rest of the country and help boost the overall economy of the Union Territory.” He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Railways for making this possible, calling it a new era for trade and business in the Valley.

Apples are a major part of Kashmir’s economy, supporting thousands of families. Earlier, road transport was the only option, but bad weather often caused delays, spoilage, and higher costs. Now, with this reliable rail service, farmers can send their goods quickly and affordably. Sinha noted that it will lead to better integration of J&K with the nation, as products reach markets at lower prices.

The event saw the presence of key officials like Minister Javid Ahmad Dar for Agriculture, Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar, and others. They all praised the initiative for creating more income opportunities and supporting the horticulture sector. This train is especially timely, as it comes right after the monsoon rains that disrupted the region.

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The launch of this parcel train shows the government’s focus on improving infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. By offering an alternative to roads, it helps during tough times like floods. Farmers and traders have long demanded such a service, and now it’s here to make their work easier. As Sinha put it, “This will connect Jammu and Kashmir better, and goods will reach other places at a lower cost. This will boost our economy.”

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With this new link, the future looks brighter for Kashmir’s apple industry. The train service promises to reduce losses, open new markets, and bring smiles to the faces of growers. It’s a simple yet powerful step toward growth and prosperity in the region.