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Key Points

A groundbreaking moment has been achieved with the first automobile freight train arriving in Kashmir's Anantnag district. The train carried 116 vehicles over 850 kilometres, marking a significant improvement in regional transportation infrastructure. This development promises to reduce logistics costs and provide year-round vehicle availability in the traditionally challenging Kashmir terrain. The achievement represents a major step forward in connecting Kashmir with the rest of India through efficient rail networks.

Key Points: First Auto Freight Train Arrives in Kashmir Valley

  • First automobile freight train successfully unloads 116 vehicles in Anantnag
  • Direct rail transport eliminates road transportation challenges
  • Significant reduction in logistics and transportation costs
  • Enables year-round vehicle availability in Kashmir Valley
2 min read

First automobile freight train successfully arrives in Kashmir

Historic railway milestone connects Kashmir with direct automobile transport, reducing logistics costs and improving connectivity

"This marks the Valley's entry into a new era of streamlined and cost-effective automobile logistics - Railway Officials"

Srinagar, Oct 3

In a development set to transform the automobile freight from the rest of the country to Kashmir, the first-ever rake carrying automobiles was successfully unloaded on Friday at the newly operationalised goods shed in Anantnag district.

The rake carrying train was dispatched in Manesar, Haryana, and it arrived this morning in Anantnag district of Kashmir, covering over 850 kilometres in 45 hours.

The rake carried 116 newly manufactured vehicles, marking the beginning of direct rail-based automobile transport into the Kashmir Valley. It is a significant leap forward in the region's freight connectivity.

"This marks the Valley's entry into a new era of streamlined and cost-effective automobile logistics," railway officials told reporters.

Until now, vehicles had to be transported by road from railway terminals in Jammu or Punjab, often resulting in longer transit times and higher logistics costs.

The arrival of the automobile rake directly to Anantnag is expected to significantly reduce the transportation costs, benefiting manufacturers, dealers, and ultimately, consumers.

Local stakeholders, including automobile dealers and transport companies, welcomed the development. The other major advantage to the automobile dealers and buyers in the Valley is going to be its round the year availability, irrespective of the weather.

At present, automobiles are transported into the Valley through the Jammu-Srinagar national highway that remained closed for days together because of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones.

The arrival of the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Kashmir has already transformed the surface transport sector in the Valley.

By the next month, the Vande Bharat train service is expected to operate from Jammu railway station to Kashmir, thereby realising the over 150-year-old dream of rail connectivity to the Valley.

The arrival of the train has come as a great relief to traders, students, professionals and common citizens as the rail travel is cheap, affordable and an all-weather travel facility for the landlocked Valley.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative! The cost savings on transportation should eventually reflect in vehicle prices for consumers in Kashmir. Hope this leads to more economic development in the region.
R
Rohit P
While this is a welcome development, I hope the government ensures that the benefits actually reach common people. Sometimes these infrastructure projects only help big dealers and manufacturers while consumers see little difference.
S
Sarah B
As an automobile dealer in Srinagar, this is the best news we've had in years! The Jammu-Srinagar highway closures during winter used to cost us crores in business. This rail connectivity will ensure year-round supplies. 🙏
M
Michael C
Impressive infrastructure development! Covering 850 km in 45 hours with 116 vehicles shows remarkable efficiency. This should boost the automotive market in Kashmir significantly.
K
Kavya N
Bahut accha hai! This will reduce vehicle damage during transport too. Road transport through hilly terrain often caused scratches and minor damages to new vehicles. Rail transport is much safer and reliable.
D
David E
The Vande Bharat train connectivity combined with this freight service is transforming Kashmir's connectivity. This is exactly the kind of infrastructure development that benefits ordinary citizens and boosts regional economy.

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