JAMMU, May 27: Indian Railways has emerged as a fast and reliable transport medium for fruit growers and traders of Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing cherry season, with around 43 tons of fresh cherries already dispatched safely to major markets across the country through rail services.
The improved rail connectivity and parcel facilities have encouraged traders and growers to increasingly rely on railway transport for timely and secure delivery of perishable produce. Cherry consignments have been transported through SLR and Parcel Vans in Train Nos. 12472/12474/12476, 12920 and 19028 to destinations including Surat, Bandra, Bhopal and Chhayapuri (Vadodara).
According to railway officials, the rail service has significantly reduced transportation time while ensuring that the quality and freshness of cherries remain intact, enabling growers to secure better market prices. Traders have also received major relief as SLR and VP facilities allow consignments to be booked according to demand and quantity requirements.
The rail transport system is proving especially beneficial for cherry growers of the Jammu region, who are now able to avoid uncertainties associated with road transportation and directly send their produce to major fruit mandis across the country.
The initiative is also benefiting Indian Railways through improved utilisation of parcel space in passenger trains, generating additional revenue while simultaneously promoting agricultural marketing and strengthening the horticulture sector.
Sharing details, Uchit Singhal said that the Railways remains committed to providing efficient and economical logistics solutions to the farming community.
He stated that the successful dispatch of 43 tons of cherries through SLR and VP facilities reflects the growing trust of fruit growers and traders in railway services. He added that railway teams are ensuring priority loading, safe handling and timely delivery so that perishable produce reaches consumers fresh and in good condition.
He further informed that similar railway parcel facilities would continue to be extended for apples and other fruits in the coming season as well.
The railway administration has appealed to growers, traders and other stakeholders to make maximum use of rail parcel services for transporting the premium fruits of Jammu and Kashmir to markets across the country.