In a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure, the Valley has received its first-ever automobile consignment by rail, signalling a major advancement in freight connectivity.A freight rake carrying over 100 vehicles arrived early this morning at the newly operational Goods Shed in Anantnag, South Kashmir. The train, dispatched from Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s Gati Shakti Terminal in Manesar, Haryana, completed its 850-kilometre journey in approximately 45 hours.Officials described the successful operation as a “significant leap forward” in Kashmir’s logistics and freight handling capacity, with Maruti Suzuki becoming the first automobile manufacturer in India to send an entire vehicle consignment to the region by rail.“This marks Kashmir’s entry into a new era of streamlined and cost-effective automobile logistics,” a Northern Railway official said in Anantnag.Until now, vehicles bound for the Valley had to be transported by road from railway terminals in Jammu or Punjab, resulting in longer delivery times, higher transport costs, and frequent delays due to bad weather and road conditions.Local automobile dealers hailed the development as a breakthrough for the region’s auto industry.Irfan Ahmad Narwaru, Managing Director of Jamkash Vehicleades, called it a “revolution” for Kashmir’s automotive sector.“It is an important day for the automobile industry in Kashmir. We faced regular disruptions because of harsh weather and poor road connectivity. Rail transport will reduce waiting time, lower costs, and ensure faster delivery to customers,” he said.Narwaru added that his dealership has been part of the initiative since the day the first freight train carrying cement reached the Valley. “This step will transform automobile logistics here — truly, good times have arrived for the industry.”The introduction of direct automobile freight services by rail is expected to reduce carbon emissions, boost trade efficiency, and strengthen supply chains between Kashmir and the rest of India.Officials believe this milestone will pave the way for more industries to adopt rail-based freight movement, helping Kashmir integrate more closely with the national transport and trade network under the government’s Gati Shakti multimodal infrastructure plan.