In a historic achievement for the food supply system and logistics infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir, Food Corporation of India (FCI)’s Foodgrain freight rake has reached Anantnag Goods Terminal for the first time, which is expected to be a major boost to the food security of Kashmir Valley.
This goods train had left from Ajitwal station in Punjab. In this, about 1,384 tonnes of essential food grains have been brought through 21 BCN wagons. This rake reached Anantnag Goods Terminal at around 11.30 am. This is the historic beginning of supply of food grains through rail route in the valley. The arrival of this food grain freight rake at Anantnag is the formal beginning of direct and large scale supply of food grains through rail route in Kashmir Valley.
Saving both time and cost
Earlier, the supply of food grains in the valley was mainly dependent on road, which was often disrupted due to weather and geographical conditions. With the start of transportation of such large bulk quantities of food grains by rail route, not only will the supply be more accessible and reliable, but both time and cost will also be saved. This joint initiative of FCI and Indian Railways is being considered an important step towards further strengthening the food supply chain in the valley.
After this achievement, there is going to be a big relief regarding the essential food grain supply in the valley in winter, because the arrival of this food grain rake has come at a time when Kashmir valley is moving towards harsh winter (40 days of Chillai Kalan). During the winter season, the supply of essential commodities is affected due to frequent closure of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy snowfall and landslides. In such a situation, rail transport has now emerged as a reliable option.
There will be no shortage of food grains for the general public
Experts believe that this initiative will not only ensure availability of food grains during winter and the general public will also not have to face any kind of shortage. The successful operation of Foodgrains freight rake up to Anantnag will pave the way for expanding rail based supplies to the rest of the Kashmir Valley in the future.
This step will not only strengthen food security but will also play an important role in the overall economic and logistics development of the valley. This new initiative of FCI and Indian Railways is a new beginning for Kashmir Valley.
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