Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday described the arrival of the first-ever foodgrain freight train in Kashmir as a historic and memorable moment, saying it fulfils a long-standing aspiration of integrating the Valley with India’s national freight network.

“This is truly a memorable occasion and a realisation of a long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir region with the national freight movement system,” the Lieutenant Governor said in a statement.

For the first time, a Food Corporation of India (FCI) freight train carrying approximately 1,384 tonnes of rice reached the Anantnag Goods Terminal in south Kashmir. The train comprised 21 BCN wagons and arrived from Punjab, according to officials of the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.

Sinha said the introduction of freight rail services to Kashmir would bring wide-ranging benefits for residents, businesses, and infrastructure projects across the region. He noted that rail transport would ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities throughout the year, without being affected by adverse weather conditions, and would significantly reduce dependence on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).

The Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritising Jammu and Kashmir’s economic development as part of the country’s broader growth agenda.

Railway officials said the foodgrain-laden train reached its destination in much less time compared to road transport and without facing logistical hurdles, underscoring the efficiency of rail-based freight movement.

“This is a proud moment for the Railways. The arrival of this freight train establishes a vital economic link between Punjab and Kashmir,” said Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu. He added that the regular operation of FCI freight trains would play a crucial role in strengthening the region’s economy and supporting infrastructure development.

Singhal further pointed out that freight movement by rail would ease congestion on the heavily used NH-44 and enable a more efficient and reliable supply chain for foodgrains. “Rail transport allows for better planning, faster distribution, and improved supply chain management,” he said.

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‘Historic milestone’: LG Sinha hails arrival of first foodgrain freight train in Kashmir
JK-LG-GOODS TRAIN

07:51 PM, December 21, 2025

Jammu, Dec 21 (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday described the arrival of the first-ever foodgrain freight train in Kashmir as a historic and memorable moment, saying it fulfils a long-standing aspiration of integrating the Valley with India’s national freight network.

“This is truly a memorable occasion and a realisation of a long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir region with the national freight movement system,” the Lieutenant Governor said in a statement.

For the first time, a Food Corporation of India (FCI) freight train carrying approximately 1,384 tonnes of rice reached the Anantnag Goods Terminal in south Kashmir. The train comprised 21 BCN wagons and arrived from Punjab, according to officials of the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.

Sinha said the introduction of freight rail services to Kashmir would bring wide-ranging benefits for residents, businesses, and infrastructure projects across the region. He noted that rail transport would ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities throughout the year, without being affected by adverse weather conditions, and would significantly reduce dependence on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).

The Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritising Jammu and Kashmir’s economic development as part of the country’s broader growth agenda.

Railway officials said the foodgrain-laden train reached its destination in much less time compared to road transport and without facing logistical hurdles, underscoring the efficiency of rail-based freight movement.

“This is a proud moment for the Railways. The arrival of this freight train establishes a vital economic link between Punjab and Kashmir,” said Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu. He added that the regular operation of FCI freight trains would play a crucial role in strengthening the region’s economy and supporting infrastructure development.

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Singhal further pointed out that freight movement by rail would ease congestion on the heavily used NH-44 and enable a more efficient and reliable supply chain for foodgrains. “Rail transport allows for better planning, faster distribution, and improved supply chain management,” he said.