By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Oct 18 (BVI) Marking a new milestone for the rail freight services linking Kashmir Valley, a train ferrying industrial salt from Gujarat has delivered the consignment in Anantnag district.
According to the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, the first 21-wagon (BCN) train with a consignment of 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt from Kharaghoda Goods Shed in Gujarat reached Anantnag Goods Shed in South Kashmir.
This industrial salt is used in tanning, pulp soap, and sometimes brick kiln industries.
The introduction of industrial salt transportation by goods trains will ensure a continuous supply of essential commodities to the Valley, reduce travel time, and reduce logistics costs.
This will also reduce the region’s dependence on road transport, especially during adverse weather conditions, when road connectivity is often affected.
In recent months, significant progress has been made in freight transportation in the Kashmir Valley.
The first shipment of apples from Kashmir was transported by train to Delhi and from there to various locations across India, providing local producers with a faster and more economical way to reach national markets.
Similarly, Maruti vehicles and other goods have been transported to the Valley by train, reflecting the growing role of the railways in facilitating trade and industry in the region.
With another milestone, Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, said, “The arrival of this salt consignment is expected to pave the way for more such freight traffic in the future, further enhancing trade links between Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir.”
With each such initiative, Indian Railways continues to strengthen the logistics network of the Union Territory, ensuring the efficient movement of essential and commercial goods for the benefit of both people and businesses. (BVI)
