JAMMU: A high-level meeting was convened in the Jammu Division to strategize measures aimed at transforming the economic landscape of the Kashmir Valley by linking its renowned fruit industry and parcel trade with national markets.
The meeting was presided over by the Additional Member (Commercial) of the Railway Board and attended by Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, along with parcel traders from Kashmir, prominent fruit growers, and key cargo aggregators.
The primary focus of the deliberations was to develop a roadmap to enhance parcel traffic from the Kashmir region. Discussions highlighted positioning rail transport as a reliable, time-bound, and cost-effective alternative to roadways, especially for transporting cherries and other perishable produce.
Key strategies included increasing occupancy of the JPP-RCS Parcel Train, which departs from Badgam at 6:15 AM and reaches Adarsh Nagar at 5:30 AM the following day via Bari Brahmana and Ambala Cantt, ensuring timely delivery to markets.
Participants also agreed to collaborate with cargo aggregators to support small-scale traders by consolidating smaller consignments for efficient rail transportation. Plans were shared to upgrade loading infrastructure at Badgam, Srinagar, and Pampore railway stations to streamline operations.
To encourage greater use of rail services, the Railways discussed offering competitive freight rates and introducing concession schemes for bulk bookings.
Speaking on the occasion, Uchit Singhal emphasised the global identity of Kashmir's products and reiterated the Railways' commitment to building a seamless supply chain, aimed at empowering farmers and traders while strengthening the region's economic growth.