Each rail wagon can carry 1,600–1,700 apple boxes; DC Budgam urges growers to use train service

BUDGAM, SEPTEMBER 30: Each railway wagon can carry approximately 1,600 to 1,700 boxes of apples, enabling growers to transport substantial quantities of fruit to distant markets within a few days, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan said during an interaction with fruit growers and Railway authorities on Wednesday.

Khan chaired the meeting to encourage fruit growers to make greater use of parcel rail services for transporting apples from the Valley to fruit mandies across the country, particularly during the peak harvesting season.

During the meeting, Railway officials briefed growers on the parcel booking process, loading facilities, operational arrangements and applicable fare charges for transporting apples by rail. They also explained the procedures for booking consignments and facilities available at railway stations to facilitate transportation.

The Deputy Commissioner said parcel rail service is among the cheapest available modes of transporting apples to markets outside Kashmir and can help reduce the transportation burden on fruit growers.

He urged growers to explore railways as a reliable, economical and efficient option for bulk transportation of their produce.

Khan also highlighted the accessibility of Budgam Railway Station for fruit growers of the district, saying it provides a convenient point for transporting apples to fruit markets and mandies across the country.

He said efficient transportation and timely market access were important for improving returns to fruit growers and strengthening the district’s horticulture economy.

The Deputy Commissioner called for close coordination between the concerned departments, Railway authorities and fruit growers to ensure necessary facilitation at booking and loading stages.

He also stressed the need for sustained awareness among growers about the parcel rail facility so that more horticulturists could benefit from the service.

The meeting provided growers an opportunity to raise queries and seek clarifications from Railway officials regarding booking procedures, fare charges, loading arrangements and other operational aspects.

The meeting was attended by Area Manager, Railways, Budgam; Joint Director Planning, Budgam; Chief Horticulture Officer, Budgam; Area Marketing Officer, Budgam, and fruit growers from different parts of the district.