Highly disappointing: Kashmir Fruit Growers’ Associations react to no direct Delhi-Kashmir train 

Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, an elected umbrella body representing fruit growers from Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla, Handwara, Chari-Sharif, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Jablipora, Pachahar, and Zazan Ganderbal, has expressed disappointment over the decision to operate the Vande Bharat Express trains on the Katra-Srinagar route instead of the anticipated direct Delhi-Kashmir route. While the union welcomed the Katra-Srinagar rail connectivity and appreciated the upcoming inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, 2025, they stated that the current arrangement fails to address their logistical challenges and economic needs.

The fruit growers had high hopes that the direct operation of Vande Bharat Express trains between Delhi and Srinagar would significantly boost the horticulture industry, ensuring the smooth and expedited transport of fresh produce to key markets. However, the announcement on January 3, 2025, limiting the train route to Katra-Srinagar has dashed these expectations, the association said in a statement to Ziraat Times.

The union pointed out that this arrangement requires passengers to switch trains at Katra to continue their journey to Delhi, which is both inconvenient and impractical for transporting perishable goods like fruits and vegetables.

Adding to their grievances, the union highlighted the absence of a separate goods train to facilitate the quick and direct shipment of fresh produce from the valley to Delhi. They argued that direct rail connectivity would not only enhance the horticulture trade but also generate economic opportunities for the railway authorities and bolster Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.

The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has called upon His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, and the Chief Secretary to intervene and urge the Ministry of Railways to reconsider their decision. They have requested the immediate introduction of a direct Vande Bharat Express train from the valley to Delhi, emphasizing that this step would benefit both the general public and the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

13 COMMENTS

  1. Why we should not keeping of the availability of Apple has our factory to produce end product just find out why Apple juice factory at spore was made to wind up so the grading factory for export Corruption was the cause high ups wanted share.

  2. What is the purpose of operating vande bharat train when it’s destination is short and meaningless. Katra can be developed without this drama. Train is used by humans not by beasts try to understand.

  3. Kindly do not be disappointed.since it’s a beginning and dream of decades for the suffering people.kindly keep in mind we will not have to listen a vehicle skidded and all people are dead.
    Instead I would like to put my opinion for disappointed that indian government has capacity to arrange for goods trIn to delhi in particular season. It is not a big deal but matter time.

  4. Who in his sane state of mind would want a direct train from this islamic terrorist infested third rate state to the Capital of India.
    This is a nightmare to the secular democratically elected Govt and Non Muslims.
    Kashmir is an sewerage of Islamists elements. It should be always kept under the ground never seen like a Manhole.

  5. OMG ! They want Vande Bharat train to catty their perishable products to Delhi treating it as an apple carrying train instead of passengers !!😀😀

  6. I think the decision is based on security challanges. And I don’t blame the government. It’s only after removal of 370 that things are getting a little better but we should move ahead cautiously.

  7. It is a security precaution. The inroads that the separatists have in the society require precautions. And just imagine a train laden with *supposedly apples* landing in the middle of Delhi. The Apple growers have to think about others too and have a look within their own eco system as some of them have sympathies with the separatists even now.

  8. It think it’s just a matter of time… With some security features, government will introduce a direct train from Srinagar to New Delhi too. Trains directly contribute to the integration of our great country. Congratulations to Kashmiris.

  9. Without going into details of apples and sewerage, Jammu should be made the starting point of all trains to Srinagar and beyond. Jammu has the rail connectivity to rest of of the country.

  10. The people of Kashmir had rejected the Modi Government.
    The people should have ensured that the Modi Government should be voted to power in Kashmir.
    Shri Narendra Modi has been working non stop for the Indian citizens.
    There are people who avail the benefits offered by the Modi Government and also complain against the Modi Government.

  11. The Indian citizens are lucky to have a clean government run by Shri Narendra Modi the ultimate Indian Prime Minister of India.

  12. A goods superfast express of a few carriages can be run between Srinagar to Delhi direct with usual stops upto Katra. The freight can be kept at premium rate of Vande Bharat or more.

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