Srinagar, Sep 20 (JKNS): A 15-coach goods train carrying apples was dispatched from Baramulla railway station on Saturday, marking a major relief for fruit merchants of North Kashmir grappling with what they describe as the “worst phase” of the industry.
An official from railway department told news agency JKNS that the rake is being loaded with apple boxes to cater to the requirements of the region’s growers, reducing dependence on road transport which often faces disruptions due to highway closures.
“15-coach train has reached Baramulla and furst rake has been disptached,” official said.
“This is a much-needed step. It will minimize losses, bring down transportation costs, and ensure timely dispatch of produce to outside markets,” said official said.
The train service was expected to ease the burden on thousands of families dependent on horticulture, he added.
The move has been welcomed by fruit traders, who said the dispatch of the first rake after years of demand was a “ray of hope” for the sector. “We were worried about how to send our produce this season. With railway freight now operational from North Kashmir, it feels like a lifeline,” said one grower.
As reported by JKNS earlier, growers from Sopore were in long-standing demand for a dedicated parcel service from Sopore railway station, which is adjacent to Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi.
Further they demanded restoring Sopore station’s full-fledged status would further streamline the process and directly benefit the Valley’s economy.
Despite the concerns, officials maintained that the first rake’s departure was an important beginning. “This is just the start. Steps are being taken to address the needs of fruit growers more effectively,” an official said.
Earlier, MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, who had already written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in January this year regarding the issue, has once again renewed his appeal this time urging both the Union Railway Minister and CM Omar Abdullah to personally intervene for restoring Sopore Railway Station to its full-fledged status.
Earlier, Speaking to news agency JKNS, the MLA stressed the historic role of Sopore Fruit Mandi, established in 1989 by former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, which has since grown into Asia’s second-largest fruit market.
“This mandi is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. More than 300 trucks are loaded daily from here, and nearly 70 percent of India’s apple exports come from Kashmir. If the station is not revived and freight services are not introduced, our entire horticulture sector remains vulnerable,” he remarked.
Kar said that Sopore Fruit Mandi is located barely 1.5 km from Sangrama railway station, which previously operated as a full station but was downgraded to a halt point.
He questioned why growers are being denied a basic facility despite Sopore hosting Asia’s largest fruit mandi. “We are demanding only one thing facilitation. Give us one point for loading and unloading, restore the status of Sopore Railway Station, and provide a dedicated parcel service. This will directly safeguard our industry and economy,” Kar said.
MLA expressed hope that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s request to the Union Railway Ministry will be heard immediately and ensure that the long-pending demand of Sopore residents and growers is finally addressed. (JKNS)
