Mubashir Khan/GK
AMN / Jammu & Kashmir MAY 31
In a landmark move set to revolutionize the horticultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Horticulture Department, flagged off the region’s first-ever dedicated cherry cargo service from Katra Railway Station to Mumbai on Saturday.
This historic initiative marks a significant leap forward in integrating the Union Territory’s rich agricultural produce with national markets, providing local growers with a fast, reliable, and cost-effective solution for transporting highly perishable fruits like cherries.
The dedicated rail cargo service is designed to ensure swift and temperature-controlled delivery, thereby preserving the freshness and quality of the produce en route to major consumption hubs like Mumbai. By reducing travel time and spoilage, the initiative is poised to directly benefit thousands of horticulturists in the region.
“This is not just a train service — it is a bridge between the hardworking farmers of Jammu & Kashmir and the markets of metropolitan India,” said an official from the Horticulture Department. “It reflects our commitment to empower local growers and expand their access to national opportunities.”
The Indian Railways’ involvement in this pioneering venture underscores its larger vision of supporting India’s agri-economy by enabling the seamless movement of perishables across long distances.
As cherry season peaks in the Kashmir Valley, this timely intervention is expected to open new avenues for revenue, reduce post-harvest losses, and encourage increased cultivation of high-value crops.
With this rollout, Jammu & Kashmir takes a bold step toward transforming its horticulture sector into a national player — one shipment at a time.
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