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With the departure of the first food grain goods train for Kashmir Valley, the supply of food grains is going to become more easy and reliable. After connecting with the railway network, food grains can be delivered to remote areas of the valley without any interruption. This will reduce transport costs and also save time. This initiative of Food Corporation of India and Railways will strengthen the food security of Kashmir. Local markets will get support, employment opportunities will increase and the agricultural economy is expected to get a new boost.
New Delhi. The supply of grains to Kashmir Valley is now entering a new phase. For the first time, a goods train laden with food grains has been sent to the valley, which is considered a big step towards removing the long standing logistics challenges. With less dependence on road, the supply is now expected to be more stable and economical. Direct delivery of grains through railways will not only save time but will also reduce the impact of disruptions like weather or traffic. This is going to provide relief to the consumers as well as the farmers and traders of the valley.
After the commissioning of Anantnag Goods Terminal under Jammu Division of Northern Railway, Kashmir Valley has been connected to the national freight transport network of the country. Consignments like cement, industrial goods, raw materials and vehicles have already been sent from this terminal, which has proved its operational capability.
What will change with the first food grain train?
This first food grain goods train of the Food Corporation of India is reaching Kashmir carrying about 1384 tonnes of food grains in 21 BCN wagons. By reaching the grains through railways, the supply chain will become more reliable and regular availability will be ensured even in remote areas.
Cost will reduce, time will be saved
Rail transport is cheaper and faster than road transport. Its direct benefit will be that the transportation cost of grains will reduce, which can also impact retail prices. Also, storage and delivery planning will be better than before.
Local market and employment will get support
According to railway officials, this initiative will increase activities in the local markets. New employment opportunities will be created in areas related to freight transportation, warehouse management and supply, which will strengthen the agriculture and local economy of the valley.
Important steps towards food security
The focus of Food Corporation of India is on safe and regular supply of food grains through Railways. This will make it easier to deliver food grains to the valley even in emergency situations and the concerns related to food security will be reduced to a great extent.
This service will expand further
Railways and Food Corporation of India are working on plans to expand this service further in future. The aim is to run food grain goods trains regularly to other parts of Kashmir also, so that the supply system in the entire region can become strong and sustainable.
