JAMMU, DECEMBER 21, 2025 — In a landmark moment for the region’s logistics and food security, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today extended his heartiest congratulations to the Indian Railways following the arrival of the first-ever foodgrain freight train in the Kashmir Valley.
The inaugural shipment, carrying approximately 1,384 tonnes of rice, marks a historic shift in how essential commodities are transported to the region. The Lieutenant Governor hailed the event as a “memorable occasion,” noting that it finally realizes the long-cherished dream of integrating the Kashmir region into the national freight network, ensuring a more reliable supply chain for the valley’s residents.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the operationalization of freight train services will provide a massive boost to local enterprises, people, and large-scale infrastructure projects. By shifting the bulk transport of essential goods to the rail network, the region will now have an all-weather transport solution that operates independently of the adverse weather conditions that frequently disrupt road travel.
Furthermore, this development is expected to significantly ease pressure on National Highway-44, which has historically been the sole artery for heavy supplies, thereby reducing traffic congestion and improving overall road safety.
Expressing deep appreciation for the central leadership, the Lieutenant Governor thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw for their vision in making Jammu & Kashmir’s economic progress a central pillar of India’s rapid growth.
He emphasized that this connectivity is more than just a logistical feat; it is a catalyst for economic transformation that will lower transport costs and ensure that the benefits of Bharat’s development reach every household in the Kashmir Valley.
