
Srinagar: In a major development for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, the first-ever cargo train service carrying fresh cherries from the Valley to Mumbai will be launched from June 3, offering growers a cost-effective alternative to expensive air freight.
Until now, cherry growers in Kashmir relied primarily on air transport due to the fruit’s highly perishable nature. However, the high cost of air cargo limited access to distant markets, especially for small and marginal farmers. The new rail-based option is expected to help reduce post-harvest losses and improve earnings for growers.
The Jammu railway division has registered a VP indent – a formal request for a full parcel van – for a refrigerated wagon carrying 24 tonnes of cherries from Katra to Mumbai. The train journey is expected to take just over 30 hours, offering a viable timeline for transporting the delicate fruit while maintaining its freshness. This move comes at a crucial time as cherry harvesting in Kashmir reaches its peak during May and June. The Valley produces between 12,000 and 14,000 metric tonnes of cherries annually, depending on seasonal conditions.