1st freight train carrying industrial salt arrives in Kashmir from Gujarat

Jammu, Oct 17: In a remarkable step forward vis-à-vis freight transportation in the Kashmir valley to facilitate trade and industry in the region, through continuous supply of essentials with reduced travel time and logistics costs, the maiden train carrying industrial salt from Gujarat arrived in Kashmir on Friday.

Describing it as a significant progress achieved by the Jammu Railway division of Northern Railway in freight transportation, its Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Uchit Singhal, revealed that the first 21-wagon (BCN) rail consignment of 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt from Kharaghoda goods shed in Gujarat reached Anantnag goods shed on Friday, October 17, 2025.

This industrial salt is used in tanning, pulp soap and sometimes brick kiln industries.

“This marks a new milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through reliable and cost-effective rail transport. The introduction of industrial salt transportation by goods trains will ensure a continuous supply of essential commodities to the valley, reduce travel time and logistics costs. This will also decrease the region’s dependence on road transport, especially during adverse weather conditions, when road connectivity is often affected,” Singhal stated.

He pointed out that in recent months, significant progress was made by the Jammu Railway Division in freight transportation in the Kashmir valley.

“The first shipment of apples from Kashmir was transported by train to Delhi and from there to various locations across India, providing local producers with a faster and more economical way to reach national markets. Similarly, Maruti vehicles and other goods have been transported to the Valley by train, reflecting the growing role of the railways in facilitating trade and industry in the region,” Singhal asserted.

He said that the arrival of a freight train carrying industrial salt in the Valley was another milestone for the Jammu Railway Division.

“The arrival of this salt consignment is expected to pave the way for more such freight traffic in the future, further enhancing trade links between Gujarat and J&K,” Senior DCM, Jammu Railway Division, said.

“With each such initiative, Indian Railways continues to strengthen the logistics network of the Union Territory, ensuring the efficient movement of essential and commercial goods for the benefit of both people and businesses,” Singhal asserted.