Kashmir Welcomes Its First Freight Train, Strengthening Trade Links with Gujarat

In a historic development for India’s northernmost region, the Kashmir Valley has received its first freight train — a 21-wagon consignment carrying 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt from Kharaghoda in Gujarat. The train arrived at the Anantnag Goods Shed on Friday, signalling a major leap forward in freight connectivity following the completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

According to Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, this milestone showcases the Indian Railways’ growing role in connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country through reliable and cost-efficient rail logistics. The transported industrial salt is expected to serve multiple local industries, including tanning, soap, pulp, and brick kilns.

The freight train service is poised to ease the movement of essential commodities into the Valley, cutting transportation time and reducing dependency on road networks — especially crucial during winter months when weather conditions often disrupt road traffic.

Officials believe this successful consignment will pave the way for more freight operations, strengthening trade between Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir. “The arrival of this salt consignment opens a new chapter in commercial connectivity, encouraging consistent rail-based trade to and from the region,” Singhal said.

In recent months, Indian Railways has expanded freight operations in Kashmir, facilitating the movement of apples, Maruti vehicles, and other goods — connecting local producers and industries to markets nationwide. With passenger and freight operations now active, the USBRL project stands as a transformative infrastructure achievement for the Union Territory.