In Jammu and Kashmir, in order to offer relief to traders in the Kashmir Valley, particularly fruit growers and handicraft merchants, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway will operate a Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service train between Adarsh Nagar in New Delhi and Budgam in Kashmir from April 17.

The service will run regularly on a trial basis till May 31, after which it is likely to be inducted into regular service, subject to satisfactory occupancy levels. To facilitate loading and unloading operations en route, the train will also make scheduled halts at Bari Brahmana and Ambala cantonment stations.

The railways said the service offers faster transit than road transport, covering the distance in 23-24 hours and ensuring perishable goods such as apples and cherries remain fresh. This initiative has been undertaken with the objective of strengthening the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and facilitating the rapid transport of local products, such as saffron, walnuts, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts, to markets across the country.