First-Ever Freight Train Reaches Kashmir Valley, Covers 600 Km In 18 Hours

For the first time ever, a goods train has arrived at the Anantnag goods shed in the Kashmir Valley. This achievement paves the way for Kashmir’s deeper integration with the country’s wider freight transport network, boosting economic opportunities and efficiency in goods movement across the region.

The train travelled from Rupnagar, Punjab, to Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. Covering nearly 600 kilometres, the freight train reached the newly commissioned goods shed in under 18 hours. The goods shed at Anantnag station has been built under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X, “Today (9.8.2025) first freight train reached the newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed in the Kashmir Valley from Punjab, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network.”

He added that such connectivity will reduce the cost of living for people in the Kashmir valley.

According to officials, the facility has been designed to manage cargo in both directions, enabling smoother and faster movement of goods to and from Kashmir. This development is expected to provide local enterprises with a more reliable transport option, while giving a strong push to trade and economic growth across the Valley.

The launch of goods operations in Anantnag coincides with the region securing uninterrupted railway access between Katra and Srinagar. This milestone includes the completion of the Chenab Rail Bridge, notable for being the highest of its kind anywhere in the world.

Officials highlighted that the development will open up wider markets for Kashmiri goods, from horticultural harvests and traditional handicrafts to freshly grown produce. They added that businesses and traders in the region are also likely to benefit from reduced transport expenses, making it easier and more profitable to move their products across the country.

Officials noted that the facility will enhance supply chain efficiency and speed up deliveries. This is a crucial advantage in the winter months when road travel is frequently hampered by snow and harsh weather. They added that the development will also deepen Kashmir’s trade links with markets across India, giving local businesses a stronger presence nationwide.