Srinagar/New Delhi: Indian Railways on January 22 achieved a significant milestone in freight transportation to the Kashmir Valley with the arrival of the first full rake of foodgrain at Anantnag, highlighting the growing reliability of all-weather rail connectivity to the region.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the full rake comprised 42 wagons carrying 2,768 metric tonnes of rice, which was transported to the Anantnag goods shed after being loaded at the Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on January 21. The consignment reached its destination within 24 hours, following sustained coordination between Indian Railways and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to optimise logistics and reduce freight costs.
Until now, foodgrains were transported to the Valley either by road or through mini rakes of 21 wagons carrying around 1,384 metric tonnes. The successful movement of a full-capacity rake marks a first-of-its-kind achievement for the region. The operation was completed despite adverse weather conditions, which had disrupted unloading activities a day earlier.
Officials said the development marks an important step in strengthening the foodgrain distribution network in the Kashmir Valley. The shift from road transport and smaller rail consignments to full rakes is expected to significantly lower logistics and freight costs, ensure faster and more reliable movement of essential commodities, and help maintain adequate buffer stocks, particularly during periods of harsh weather.
Reduced dependence on heavy truck traffic along national highways is also expected to bring environmental benefits and improve overall transport efficiency. Rail-based logistics has already supported the movement of commodities such as apples, cement and fertiliser, and the inclusion of foodgrains is seen as further reinforcing economic resilience and long-term supply chain stability in the region.
The achievement underscores the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), one of the most ambitious railway infrastructure projects in independent India. Even as the Valley experiences snowfall and challenging winter conditions, enhanced rail connectivity is strengthening trade and logistics, benefiting farmers, traders and households by ensuring dependable access to essential goods.
