Kashmir gets cars by train for the first time, Maruti Suzuki dispatches 116 vehicles

October 3, 2025 by News Desk

In a first for the Valley, cars have started arriving in Kashmir by train, with Maruti Suzuki dispatching a consignment of 116 vehicles directly from its Manesar plant in Haryana to Anantnag.

The development marks the entry of Kashmir into India’s automobile freight network and is being described by officials as a “milestone in the region’s connectivity story.”

Until now, vehicles bound for Kashmir had to be driven from Jammu over the treacherous Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, a process that not only delayed deliveries but also added hundreds of kilometres to brand-new cars, sometimes leaving them with dents or mechanical issues even before reaching buyers.

With the commissioning of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) and the completion of the Chenab Rail Bridge, Indian Railways has now opened the corridor for large-scale automobile transport.

“This is something we have been waiting for. Cars used to come with mileage already added, and sometimes with scratches or dents because of the long road journey. Now, at least, we will get new cars as they are meant to be,” said Adil Ahmad, a resident of Anantnag who plans to buy a new hatchback this winter.

The first rake carried popular models including Brezza, WagonR, Dzire and S-Presso. According to officials, the vehicles were moved in specially designed automobile rakes under the Railway Ministry’s Automobile Freight Train Operator (AFTO) scheme. The scheme allows manufacturers to transport vehicles in bulk, ensuring safety, timeliness, and reduced logistical costs.

A senior railway official in Banihal told The Kashmiriyat that the inclusion of the Valley in the automobile freight route is a “landmark.” “This is not just about cars. It shows that the Valley is now firmly integrated into the country’s freight network. This line will reduce highway pressure, attract more companies, and eventually build new trade opportunities in Kashmir,” the official said.

Dealers in Kashmir say the move will directly benefit customers through faster and safer supply. “Earlier, our consignments were at the mercy of the highway. Whenever the road was closed, deliveries were delayed for weeks. With the train service, we expect timely arrivals and less damage to vehicles,” said Mohammad Shafi, who runs a dealership in Anantnag.

Locals in Anantnag gathered near the unloading site to witness the first cars arrive by train. “It felt like a symbolic moment. For the first time, we saw cars rolling off a train in Anantnag, just like in other parts of India. It made us feel less cut off,” said Bilal Mir, a shopkeeper from Janglat Mandi.

However, officials clarified that the service is not for individual car owners who may want to ship their personal vehicles to Kashmir. “This facility is exclusively for manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, who dispatch cars in bulk to dealerships. Consumers will still buy from local showrooms as usual,” the railway official explained.

Maruti Suzuki has been steadily increasing its use of railways, with over half a million cars dispatched by train across India last year. Its expansion into Kashmir is expected to encourage other automobile companies to follow suit.

Whether this shift will reduce showroom prices in Kashmir remains uncertain, but many buyers believe reliability itself is a major relief. “Even if prices don’t change, getting timely deliveries without damage is enough. It saves us weeks of waiting and gives peace of mind,” said Adil.

With the first rake now unloaded in Anantnag, industry watchers say more hubs could open in Srinagar and Baramulla in the coming years, strengthening Kashmir’s supply chain and further reducing reliance on the volatile highway.