Apples ride daily train
Indian Railways has recently begun loading apples from Kashmir onto two parcel trains with eight wagons each, carrying 23 t of fruit. From 13 September, a daily parcel service runs between Badgam and Adarsh Nagar, with the first service departing at 6:15 am and arriving the following morning at 5:00 am, timed to align with early market trading. The initiative aims to support growers seeking faster access to Delhi’s markets. Officials said more wagons will be added if required.
Growers and traders can book space online via the Fois portal. Authorities from the northern railway and the Jammu division are working with horticulture departments and fruit growers' associations to coordinate operations. Indian Railways added that further trains will be introduced if demand grows during the peak harvest season. (js)