Foodgrain freight train reaches Kashmir in logistics milestone

People carry foodgrain from the first Food Corporation of India (FCI) freight train that arrived at the Anantnag Goods Terminal to bolster food supplies to far-flung areas of the Valley, in Anantnag | Photo Credit: -

A freight train of Food Corporation of India (FCI) has reached the Kashmir Valley for the first time, carrying foodgrains from Punjab in what officials described as a key milestone for the region’s supply chain and transport logistics.

The train, which departed from Ajitwal Goods Shed in Punjab’s Firozpur division, arrived at the Anantnag goods shed, about 55 km south of Srinagar, on Sunday, officials said.

The rake comprised 21 wagons carrying around 1,384 tonnes of rice meant for storage, buffer stocks and public distribution across the Valley.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the freight operation would strengthen economic linkages between Punjab and Kashmir. 

“This is a significant step for the Railways. Regular movement of FCI foodgrains by rail will provide vital infrastructure support to the region’s economy,” Singhal said. 

Officials said the movement demonstrated the operational readiness of rail connectivity for bulk essential commodities in Kashmir, which has historically depended almost entirely on road transport — mainly the Srinagar–Jammu national highway (NH-44) — for foodgrain supplies.

“This is the first time an FCI freight train carrying foodgrains has directly reached Kashmir for distribution and storage,” an official associated with the operation said.

Until now, foodgrains for Kashmir’s public distribution system and buffer reserves were moved largely by road along the mountainous NH-44, a highway frequently disrupted by landslides, snowfall, accidents and prolonged winter closures.

Officials said rail transport would reduce transit time and improve the predictability of supplies. “Rail-based movement will help streamline planning and reduce uncertainties caused by highway disruptions,” Singhal said.

According to the official, the shift is also expected to ease pressure on NH-44, which remains heavily congested with passenger vehicles, trucks, oil tankers and security convoys. Fewer heavy trucks carrying food grains could improve traffic flow and road safety on the route, officials said.

The foodgrain consignment follows a series of freight movements to Kashmir in recent months. On October 3, a train carrying 116 vehicles manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant arrived at the Anantnag goods shed, while the first freight train carrying cement reached the same facility from Punjab’s Rupnagar district on August 9.

Published on December 21, 2025