First freight train arrives in Valley, connects Kashmir to national freight network

Srinagar: The first freight train arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Saturday as the Northern Railway opened its Anantnag goods shed under its larger Udhampur-Srinagar“-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project for the movement of goods, officials said.

The train with 21 BCN wagons loaded with cement reached the Anantnag goods shed from Rupnagar, Punjab, they said.

The journey spanning approximately 600 km culminated at the newly-commissioned goods shed in less than 18 hours, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network, the officials added.

The goods shed is equipped to handle both incoming and outgoing freight, offering a new and efficient transport option for businesses across Kashmir, a major step towards enhancing economic activity in the Valley, they said.

The opening of Anantnag for goods traffic also comes at a time when the Valley has achieved full railway connectivity from Katra to Srinagar, including the historic completion of the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River.

These developments are expected to transform logistics and trade dynamics for the entire region, the officials said.

The goods shed will operate daily from 6 am to 10 pm, handling all types of goods, except petroleum products.

The officials said the key benefits include better market access for Kashmir's products such as horticulture, handicrafts, and fresh produce, and lower transportation costs for local businesses and traders.

It will also provide improved logistics and faster delivery, especially during the winter season when road transport is often disrupted, and strengthen Kashmir's economic ties with markets across the country, they said.