Anantnag becomes Kashmir’s first railway station to handle freight ops

Anantnag becomes Kashmir’s first railway station to handle goods transportation. In a landmark development for Jammu & Kashmir’s logistics infrastructure, Anantnag Railway Station has officially become the first railway station in the Kashmir Valley to handle goods transportation. Northen Railway, under its Jammu Division, commenced freight operations this week, enabling both inbound and outbound cargo movement from the station. The freight facility will operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, as part of the broader Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal corridor, developed under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

According to railway officials, the launch of cargo services at Anantnag is expected to reduce transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure timely delivery of goods especially during the winter months when road connectivity is frequently disrupted by snowfall and landslides. “This initiative will streamline goods movement across South Kashmir and beyond,” said Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division. “All infrastructure and manpower are in place to ensure smooth handling of cargo at the station.”

Key regional sectors such as horticulture, handicrafts, and fresh produce are expected to benefit significantly, gaining improved access to markets across India. These industries form the backbone of the Valley’s economy and have long relied on road transport, often hindered by seasonal challenges. Saqib Yousuf Yatoo, Chief Area Manager, Northern Railway Srinagar, described the move as a strategic expansion of the Valley’s logistics network. “It will provide direct rail-based cargo access to local businesses and improve connectivity with markets nationwide,” he said.

The inauguration of freight services at Anantnag comes on the heels of a major milestone: completion of the Katra-Srinagar rail link, including the construction of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. Officials say the move will not only bolster local commerce but also serve as a catalyst for economic integration between Kashmir and the rest of India.