Written by Pankaj Sharma
The Anantnag Goods Terminal in the Kashmir Valley, under the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, was inaugurated on 09 August 2025. This was a significant achievement in connecting the Kashmir Valley to India's national freight network. In the initial phase of this goods terminal's operation, the first 21 BCN cement rake was transported from Rupnagar, Punjab, to the Anantnag Goods Terminal. Subsequently, various types of goods, industrial products, raw materials, cars, and other mixed goods were transported to and from the Anantnag Goods Terminal to goods sheds in other railway divisions. Taking another step forward with this initiative, the first food grain freight train of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) was recently flagged off from Ajitwal Railway Station in Firozpur Division for the Anantnag Goods Terminal in Jammu Division.
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This food grain train is scheduled to reach Anantnag on December 21st. It is loaded with approximately 1384 tons of cargo in 21 BCN wagons.
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Highlighting the utility and benefits of this first food grain train for the local people, it will ensure an uninterrupted supply of food grains to remote areas of the valley. Transportation of food grains through railways will be cheaper and faster, directly benefiting both farmers and consumers.
This initiative will boost local markets, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the agricultural economy. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) aims to ensure food security and effectively manage buffer stocks through railways, thereby benefiting the general public. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Mr. Uchit Singhal, while giving details about the first food grain freight train to reach the Kashmir Valley, said, "This is another historic achievement and will prove to be a milestone in meeting the food grain requirements of the Kashmir Valley, and is a significant step towards making the region food self-sufficient. This is a testament to our commitment to the modernization of the railways and the development of the valley." He further added that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the railways are planning to expand this service in the future and run more such trains to other parts of Kashmir, which will revolutionize logistics and the supply chain across the entire region.