First automobile freight train successfully arrives in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: In a development set to transform the automobile freight from the rest of the country to Kashmir, the first-ever rake carrying automobiles was successfully unloaded on Friday at the newly operationalised goods shed in Anantnag district.

The rake carrying train was dispatched in Manesar, Haryana, and it arrived this morning in Anantnag district of Kashmir, covering over 850 kilometres in 45 hours.

The rake carried 116 newly manufactured vehicles, marking the beginning of direct rail-based automobile transport into the Kashmir Valley. It is a significant leap forward in the region’s freight connectivity.

“This marks the Valley’s entry into a new era of streamlined and cost-effective automobile logistics,” railway officials told reporters.

Until now, vehicles had to be transported by road from railway terminals in Jammu or Punjab, often resulting in longer transit times and higher logistics costs.

The arrival of the automobile rake directly to Anantnag is expected to significantly reduce the transportation costs, benefiting manufacturers, dealers, and ultimately, consumers.