All-weather rail link ensures reliable foodgrain supply to Kashmir Valley
Unloading in progress: Labourers unload rice bags from a full rake of Indian Railways freight wagons at the Anantnag goods shed, marking the first movement of a 42-wagon foodgrain rake to the Kashmir Valley, strengthening all-weather supply and logistics connectivity.
ANANTNAG: The first full rake of foodgrain reached the Kashmir Valley this week, marking a major milestone in Indian Railways’ push to ensure all-weather connectivity and reduce logistics costs for essential commodities.
A complete rake comprising 42 wagons carrying 2,768 metric tonnes of rice arrived at the Anantnag goods shed on January 22, becoming the first such full-capacity foodgrain movement to the Valley by rail. The rake was loaded at the Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on January 21 and transported to Anantnag within 24 hours.
Until now, foodgrain movement to the Valley by rail was limited to mini rakes of 21 wagons, carrying about 1,384 metric tonnes per trip. The shift to full rakes follows sustained coordination with the Food Corporation of India to improve efficiency and cut freight costs.
The successful movement assumes significance as it was completed despite adverse weather conditions, which had disrupted unloading operations a day earlier. Officials said the handling of the full rake under challenging winter conditions demonstrated the growing reliability of rail-based logistics to the region.
The transition from mini rakes and road-based transport to full-capacity rail movement is expected to strengthen the foodgrain distribution network in the Valley. It will help maintain adequate buffer stocks, ensure faster replenishment during weather-related disruptions, and improve the availability of foodgrains for households.
Reduced dependence on heavy truck traffic along national highways is also expected to lower congestion, improve efficiency and deliver environmental benefits. With earlier successful rail movements of apples, cement and fertiliser, the addition of foodgrain further expands the role of rail logistics in supporting sustained economic activity in the region.
The development highlights the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link, one of the most ambitious railway projects undertaken in independent India. Even amid snowfall and harsh winter conditions, enhanced rail connectivity is strengthening trade and supply chains, benefiting farmers, traders and consumers across the Kashmir Valley.
