This year, around 250 tons of cherries were loaded at Jammu Tawi railway station for destinations including Mumbai, Vadodara, and Surat. In addition, approximately 10 tons of litchis were dispatched from Pathankot Cantt railway station to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat.

According to the Jammu Division, the rail service is providing growers with an alternative route to market while reducing the role of intermediaries. The division stated that rail transport costs less than road transport, helping to reduce logistics costs. Faster transit times also allow perishable fruit to reach destination markets more quickly, reducing losses during transportation.

The division reported increased demand for cherries and litchis from Jammu & Kashmir in markets such as Mumbai and Gujarat. Commenting on the development, Mr. Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, said: “Jammu Division stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the fruit growers. We have arranged for special parcel wagons and expedited loading and unloading facilities for perishable produce like cherries and lychees. Our goal is to ensure that every fruit from Jammu & Kashmir reaches every corner of the country quickly and cost-effectively. This initiative will not only boost the income of growers but also strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. Railway freight service is the most economical and time-efficient option for farmers. Transportation by rail costs 30–40% less than road transport and preserves the freshness of perishable fruits. This is why Jammu cherries now reach Vadodara and Surat just as fresh as they are in Jammu. Growers are directly benefiting from the savings in both time and cost.”

Northern Railway’s Jammu Division said it will continue to provide support for growers using railway freight services in the future.

Source: Fresh Plaza