The Railway Board has approved the launch of a Joint Parcel Product–Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) for the Jammu division. The train will operate daily between Budgam railway station in the Kashmir Valley and Adarsh Nagar in Delhi.

The service will comprise one seating-cum-luggage rake and eight parcel vans. To support traders, loading and unloading facilities will be provided at Bari Brahmana station. Initially, the cargo service will run on a pilot basis, with security arrangements ensured by state police.

Officials said the initiative is designed to increase the railways’ share in the courier and logistics sector by offering an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective option. It aims to facilitate the transport and marketing of unique Kashmiri products—including apples, saffron, walnuts, pashmina shawls, carpets, and handicrafts—across India and globally.

Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu division, Vivek Kumar, said the JPP-RCS will promote freight transportation through railways by serving as a virtual aggregation platform that enhances private sector participation. The registration fee for bookings has also been reduced to encourage wider usage.

Senior Commerce Divisional Manager, Uchit Singhal, added that the service will particularly benefit fruit producers and traders, with the Budgam–Delhi journey completed in about 23 hours—faster than road transport.

News source: Hindustan Times