Railway Minister announces parcel train to transport apples from Kashmir to Delhi, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a daily parcel train service from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi starting September 13, 2025.
• The initiative aims to aid Kashmiri apple growers facing transportation issues due to highway closures.
• Each parcel van will carry 23 metric tonnes of apples.
• J&K's apple production was 20.40 lakh metric tons in 2023-24, contributing over 70% of the country's total.

Detailed Insights:

• The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closure for 13 days due to landslips stranded trucks carrying apples worth ₹200 crore.
• The train will depart from Budgam at 6:15 a.m. on Saturdays and reach Adarsh Nagar at 5 a.m. the next day.
• Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked the Railway Ministry for the initiative.
• The Railways is prepared to operate additional trains based on demand to further support the horticulture sector.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Horticulture: The science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.