Historic: First-Ever FCI’s Bulk Foodgrain Freight Train Reaches Directly to South Kashmir

Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar: In a major milestone for rail-based logistics in the Kashmir Valley, the first-ever foodgrain freight train of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) reached the Anantnag Goods Terminal, formally integrating the region with the national freight rail network.
The freight rake, carrying approximately 1,384 tonnes of foodgrains loaded in wagons, was dispatched from Ajitwal Railway Station and successfully arrived at Anantnag Goods Terminal.
The movement marks the first instance of bulk foodgrain transportation by rail directly to South Kashmir.
The arrival of the freight train is a major step to ensure an uninterrupted and efficient supply of foodgrains to the Valley, particularly to remote and far-flung areas. Rail-based transportation will not only enhance the reliability of buffer stock movement but also reduce transportation costs, making the supply chain faster and more economical.
The development will provide a boost to local markets, strengthen the regional agricultural economy, and create new opportunities in logistics and allied sectors. The commissioning of the Anantnag Goods Terminal has opened new avenues for the movement of essential commodities and other goods, paving the way for expanded freight operations in the future.
The initiative represents a significant step towards improving food security, modernising freight infrastructure, and reinforcing the Valley’s connectivity with the rest of the country through sustainable and efficient rail transport.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has congratulated the Indian Railways after first-ever foodgrain freight train reached Kashmir valley.
The Lieutenant Governor said this is undoubtedly a very memorable occasion and realises our long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network.
He observed that the movement of freight trains will benefit people, enterprises and infrastructure projects without the risk of adverse weather conditions throughout the year and ease the pressure on the National Highway-44.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw for making economic progress of J&K an integral part of Bharat’s rapid growth.DD