The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for launching a daily parcel train service from Budgam to Delhi, dedicated to transporting Kashmiri apples.

Calling the initiative a timely relief for growers, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the service will ease challenges for apple traders and ensure produce reaches Delhi markets promptly.

He noted that the step followed a request made earlier by the office of incarcerated AIP President and MP Baramulla, Er Rashid, highlighting that genuine public concerns are being addressed even when representatives are behind bars.

The spokesperson urged the Railway Ministry to extend the parcel service to Baramulla, so that Asia’s largest Fruit Mandi at Sopore, which has a railway station, gains the shortest and most direct access. He emphasised that this would further strengthen Kashmir’s horticulture sector and benefit thousands of growers and traders.

Inam also appealed to the Government of India to consider introducing direct passenger trains, including Vande Bharat services, between Baramulla and Delhi, citing the burden of rising airfares. “Direct train connectivity would ease travel costs for the public and provide significant relief,” he added.