Indian Railways’ proposal to transport apples and vegetables from Himachal Pradesh to markets across the country has received a cautious response from growers and commission agents, who have expressed concerns over freight costs and the potential for damage to produce during transit.
During a stakeholder meeting held in Shimla on Thursday, Railway officials outlined a plan to move horticultural produce by rail, with consignments to be transported by road to Kalka and Chandigarh, from where they would be loaded onto trains bound for major fruit and vegetable markets across India.
However, representatives of the horticulture sector and the Himachal Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board (HPSAMB) argued that the proposed rail freight charges are significantly higher than the current cost of road transportation, reducing the attractiveness of the initiative.
HPSAMB Chairman Kuldeep Pathania said stakeholders have requested Railway authorities to revise the freight structure and submit a more competitive proposal. He also noted concerns over the multiple stages of loading and unloading involved in the proposed logistics chain, warning that excessive handling could increase the risk of damage to apples and other perishable produce.
Under the Railway’s proposal, growers would transport their produce by truck from orchards to Kalka, where it would be loaded onto trains. Upon arrival at destination railway stations, the cargo would again be transferred to trucks for final delivery to wholesale markets.
To address these concerns, stakeholders suggested establishing a dedicated rail loading facility in Shimla, which would reduce road transportation costs, minimise labour expenses, and significantly lower the handling of produce, thereby preserving quality.
Despite their reservations, growers acknowledged the long-term potential of rail transport. They believe the introduction of Railways into the apple logistics chain could increase competition in the transportation sector, reduce the dependence on truck operators, and eventually lead to more competitive freight rates.
Industry representatives also noted that faster long-distance rail movement could help apples and vegetables reach key markets in fresher condition, benefiting both growers and consumers, provided the service is made commercially viable and supported by suitable infrastructure.