Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 15 

Indian Railways will operate a parcel train service between Budgam and Delhi on a regular basis from April 17 to May 31, in a move aimed at easing transport for traders and farmers in the Kashmir Valley.

The Jammu Railway Division said the “Joint Parcel Product – Rapid Cargo Service” will initially run on a trial basis, with plans to make it permanent depending on demand and occupancy levels.

The service is expected to benefit fruit growers and handicraft exporters by providing a faster and more cost-effective alternative to road transport.

Train number 00462 will depart Budgam at 0615 hrs and reach Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar the following day at 0500 hrs, while the return service, train number 00461, will leave Delhi at 0500 hrs and arrive in Budgam at 1045 hrs the next day.

The train will include eight parcel vans and a seating-cum-luggage coach, with scheduled halts at Bari Brahmana and Ambala Cantonment stations to facilitate loading and unloading.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the initiative was launched in response to sustained demand from traders and farmers seeking reliable logistics solutions.

“Our objective is to provide a fast, safe and economical transport mode for perishables and local products,” he said, noting that the service reduces transit time to around 24 hours.

Railway officials said the train would help preserve the quality of perishable goods such as apples and cherries, while also supporting the shipment of items including saffron, walnuts and Pashmina shawls to markets across India.

The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional trade and improve connectivity between Kashmir and major consumption centres.