In a historic milestone for Kashmir’s transportation network, the first freight train from Punjab reached south Kashmir’s Anantang district on Saturday.
This landmark event marks the operational debut of the newly commissioned Banihal-Sangaldan-Reasi-Katra section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
With this development, the Kashmir rail network is now seamlessly integrated with the Indian Railways freight corridor, enabling the direct movement of goods from across the country into the Valley.
This development is set to boost economic activity by creating new trade opportunities, reducing transportation costs for businesses and essential commodities, ensuring year-round supply delivery despite weather challenges, and strengthening regional connectivity within the national rail framework.
“Today (9.8.2025) first freight train reached newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed in the Kashmir Valley from Punjab, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network,” Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X.
“Transportation by railway network will reduce cost for our citizens living in Kashmir valley,” he said.
The Northern Railway said in a statement the train was loaded with 21 BCN wagons of cement.
“The journey, spanning approximately 600 kilometres, culminated at the newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed today in less than 18 hours,” Himanshu Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, said.
“This event marks the first-ever cement loading specifically for this facility, underscoring its readiness to support a new era of logistical and economic growth in the Kashmir region,” he said.
According to Upadhyay, the cement transported on this train will be used for the construction of roads, bridges, public infrastructure, and residential housing in the valley.