Historic Kashmiri cherry consignment heads to Mumbai by train

May 31, 2025 by News Desk

In a major boost for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, the first refrigerated parcel train carrying 24 tonnes of fresh cherries departed from Katra station in Jammu Kashmir to Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus on Saturday.

The Northern Railway’s Jammu division hailed the move as a “historic” initiative to improve freight connectivity for perishable goods from the region.

The refrigerated parcel van, attached to a goods train, is expected to reach Mumbai within 30 hours. Originally slated for dispatch on June 3, the shipment was advanced to accommodate additional loading requests from Katra and Jammu stations.

“This milestone was made possible through close coordination between the railways, horticulture department, and fruit growers’ associations,” said Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, Jammu. “It’s a significant step toward enabling affordable, efficient transport of Kashmir’s perishable produce.”

Kashmir is a leading cherry-producing region, but growers have long relied on expensive air cargo due to the fruit’s short shelf life.

The introduction of rail transport, initiated through a VP (parcel van) indent, offers a more economical alternative, potentially expanding access for small and marginal farmers.

Local growers welcomed the move and expressed hope that Kashmir would soon be fully integrated into the railway network, allowing faster and cheaper transportation of fresh produce to key Indian markets.