Srinagar, Dec 22: The first-ever foodgrain freight train of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) reached the Anantnag Goods Terminal in south Kashmir on Sunday, formally integrating the region with the national freight rail network, officials said.
The freight rake, comprising 21 BCN wagons and carrying around 1,384 tonnes of foodgrains, mainly rice, was dispatched from Ajitwal Railway Station and successfully arrived at the newly commissioned terminal, they said.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the Indian Railways on the achievement, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir Valley with the country’s freight rail network.
Officials said this marks the first instance of bulk transportation of foodgrains by rail directly to Kashmir and is expected to ensure an uninterrupted and efficient supply of essential commodities, particularly to remote and far-flung areas of the Valley.
Rail-based transportation will significantly reduce transit time and transportation costs compared to road movement, making the supply chain faster, more reliable and economical, they said.
The initiative is also expected to improve buffer stock management, strengthen food security, boost local markets and provide a fillip to the regional agricultural economy, besides creating new opportunities in logistics and allied sectors.
The commissioning of the Anantnag Goods Terminal has opened new avenues for the movement of essential commodities and other goods, paving the way for expanded freight operations in the future.
Officials said more freight rakes are planned to arrive in the coming months, further enhancing rail-based logistics and connectivity in Kashmir.
