Rail connectivity to boost Kashmir’s apple industry, say farmers – Kashmir Observer

Srinagar- The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is now 100% complete and railway stations in Kashmir will soon be connected to the rest of the country. Those involved in the fruit trade in Kashmir are optimistic that the project will boost the apple industry, thereby saving valuable time and money. However, transport associations have expressed concerns about its impact on the local transport sector.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday announced the completion of the final works of the USBRL project track, terming it a “historic milestone” in a social media post.

He wrote, “Final work on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link has been completed. Ballastless track work for the 3.2 km long T-33 tunnel, located at the foot of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and connecting Katra to Reasi, was successfully completed at 2:00 am today.

Authorities said inspections and testing are expected to begin on this stretch soon. “The inspection will include a detailed examination of the track using a trolley. It will cover tracks, electrification works, tunnels and bridges,” they said.

According to officials, the first train from Delhi to Srinagar is expected to begin operations in the next four months.

Aarif Husain Khatana, a student, shared his experience of a two-day trip to Srinagar, which cost him Rs 2,000 to appear for the exams.

“Rail connectivity is the need of the hour and should be introduced as soon as possible. This railway network will bring us closer to the rest of India. This will save time, reduce costs and encourage tourism in ways we could not imagine before,” he said, according to the KNO news agency.

The All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters Welfare Committee, an amalgamation of various transport associations, has expressed concerns that rail connectivity could harm the local transport sector. He called for appropriate standards to regulate and safeguard the interests of local transporters.

Kashmir Welfare Transporters Association general secretary Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf said rail connectivity from Delhi to Srinagar will harm the local transport sector in J&K. “There should be certain standards that authorities must keep in mind. We have already suffered losses when the Banihal-Baramulla train was introduced,” he said.

Yusuf said authorities should recognize that for three decades, the transport sector has been operating under difficult circumstances, including hartal and other problems. “Now that the situation in Kashmir has improved, the introduction of railway is leading to the demise of the transport sector,” he said, adding that the government is issuing costly permits to vehicle owners, which should be stopped.

The KWTA leader further said that truck drivers transporting goods to other parts of the country would suffer immensely. He urged the government to take action to safeguard the local transport sector and support truckers who transport goods to other parts of the country.

Kashmiri apples, renowned for their quality and flavor, contribute to over 75 percent of India’s apple production. However, inefficient transportation often leads to delays, damage and losses for farmers. Rail connectivity offers a solution.

Direct movement of apple-laden wagons from Kashmir to major markets in Delhi, Mumbai and beyond will significantly reduce transit time. “Previously, it took us several days to transport our products by truck. Now, rail connectivity will ensure timely delivery, better shelf life and competitive prices,” said Azhar Hussain, an entrepreneur from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

He said rail freight facilities also mean reduction in transportation costs, improving farmers’ profits while ensuring that Kashmiri apples reach customers in perfect condition.

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, president of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Traders Union, said Kashmir’s limited connectivity makes the new rail service a valuable addition in the long term. “Rail connectivity will help fruit growers transport their produce to other states more easily and efficiently. This will open new markets and increase their income,” he said.

Basheer said any benefit to this sector would have a positive impact on the economy of everyone involved. “With better connectivity, farmers will have easier access to markets, lower transport costs and fresher produce for consumers,” he said. “This development is expected to boost Kashmir’s overall economy, support farmers and promote the growth of the horticulture sector.”

Manzoor Pakhtoon, member of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and president of the Houseboat Association, said the rail connectivity is a welcome and developmental step and will boost the tourism sector in the valley.

He said many tourists could not visit Kashmir, which is a dream for everyone, due to high airfare in summer and winter. “The main advantage of tourists visiting Kashmir by train is that they can manage their budget. This will mainly boost domestic tourism. Students can travel easily on a lower budget. Commerce in general will also benefit,” he said.

Pakhtoon said that Kashmir is a well-known destination in the country and abroad. “Both international and domestic tourists want to visit Kashmir at least once in their lifetime,” he said..

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