All-Weather Rail Connectivity to Kashmir Valley Strengthens Foodgrain Supply, Slashes Logistics Costs
First Full Foodgrain Rake of 42 Wagons Reaches Anantnag, Marking Major Milestone for Freight Movement to the Valley
New Delhi | January 24, 2026
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening the foodgrain supply chain to the Kashmir Valley with the arrival of the first full rake of rice at Anantnag, underscoring the growing reliability of all-weather rail connectivity to the region. The historic consignment, comprising 42 wagons carrying 2,768 metric tonnes of rice, reached the Anantnag goods shed on January 22, 2026, marking a new chapter in freight transportation to the Valley.
This is the first time a full-capacity foodgrain rake has been transported by rail to Kashmir. Earlier, only mini rakes of 21 wagons, carrying around 1,384 metric tonnes, were being moved. The latest rake was loaded at the Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on January 21 and completed its journey to Anantnag within 24 hours, highlighting the efficiency of the upgraded rail network. Despite adverse weather conditions that had temporarily disrupted unloading operations a day earlier, the rake was successfully handled, ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
The development is the result of sustained coordination between Indian Railways and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving supply reliability. The shift from road-based transportation and mini rakes to full-capacity rail movement is expected to significantly cut freight costs while ensuring faster and more dependable delivery of foodgrains to the Valley.
The improved logistics framework will help maintain adequate buffer stocks in Kashmir, particularly during harsh winter months when road connectivity often remains disrupted due to snowfall and landslides. Reduced dependence on heavy truck movement along national highways will also bring environmental benefits, lower congestion and improved overall efficiency.
Building on the successful rail movement of apples, cement and fertilisers, the transportation of foodgrains further reinforces the role of rail-based logistics in sustaining economic activity and supply chain resilience in the region. The achievement highlights the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), one of independent India’s most ambitious railway projects, which is steadily enhancing trade, ensuring essential supplies and directly benefiting farmers, traders and households across the Kashmir Valley.
New Delhi | January 24, 2026
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening the foodgrain supply chain to the Kashmir Valley with the arrival of the first full rake of rice at Anantnag, underscoring the growing reliability of all-weather rail connectivity to the region. The historic consignment, comprising 42 wagons carrying 2,768 metric tonnes of rice, reached the Anantnag goods shed on January 22, 2026, marking a new chapter in freight transportation to the Valley.
This is the first time a full-capacity foodgrain rake has been transported by rail to Kashmir. Earlier, only mini rakes of 21 wagons, carrying around 1,384 metric tonnes, were being moved. The latest rake was loaded at the Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on January 21 and completed its journey to Anantnag within 24 hours, highlighting the efficiency of the upgraded rail network. Despite adverse weather conditions that had temporarily disrupted unloading operations a day earlier, the rake was successfully handled, ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
The development is the result of sustained coordination between Indian Railways and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving supply reliability. The shift from road-based transportation and mini rakes to full-capacity rail movement is expected to significantly cut freight costs while ensuring faster and more dependable delivery of foodgrains to the Valley.
The improved logistics framework will help maintain adequate buffer stocks in Kashmir, particularly during harsh winter months when road connectivity often remains disrupted due to snowfall and landslides. Reduced dependence on heavy truck movement along national highways will also bring environmental benefits, lower congestion and improved overall efficiency.
Building on the successful rail movement of apples, cement and fertilisers, the transportation of foodgrains further reinforces the role of rail-based logistics in sustaining economic activity and supply chain resilience in the region. The achievement highlights the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), one of independent India’s most ambitious railway projects, which is steadily enhancing trade, ensuring essential supplies and directly benefiting farmers, traders and households across the Kashmir Valley.
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