Northern Railways will soon start a Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) train between Kashmir and Delhi, offering fruit and handicraft traders a faster and more reliable transport option.
Approved by the Railway Board, the train will run daily from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, with one SLR (seating-cum-luggage rake) and eight parcel vans. It is expected to complete the journey in around 23 hours, significantly faster than road transport.
This pilot project marks the first dedicated cargo train in Jammu Division. Security arrangements will be handled by state police, and loading/unloading facilities will be available at Bari Brahmana station.
Officials said the move aims to increase railway’s share in the courier and cargo business while providing economical, efficient logistics support to businesses. Registration fees for bookings have also been reduced to attract traders.
The service is expected to greatly benefit Kashmir’s small and large producers, particularly those dealing in apples, walnuts, saffron, dry fruits, Pashmina shawls, carpets, and handicrafts, enabling wider national and international market access.
This development comes two months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar, marking a new phase in rail connectivity for the region.
