1st Freight Train With Supplies For Army Reaches Kashmir, Returns With Apples
In a first, a freight train delivered winter supplies to the Indian Army in Kashmir's Anantnag even as the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained closed for nearly three weeks.
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A freight train delivered 753 metric tons of winter provisions to the Indian Army in Kashmir's Anantnag, making history amid the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for nearly three weeks.
Srinagar:
For the first time, a cargo train has successfully transported winter supplies to Indian Army units in Anantnag, Kashmir, while the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained inaccessible for almost three weeks. On its journey back, the train carried apples from the Valley to Delhi, providing relief to local farmers who had been suffering as their produce rotted in hundreds of trucks stranded on the blocked highway.
According to the army, this freight service in Kashmir represents part of their "capability development efforts to ensure operational preparedness in challenging Himalayan terrain." The military also highlighted that the train service for transporting apples demonstrates their commitment beyond defense duties to support Kashmir's socio-economic development.
"By utilizing rail infrastructure for both military and civilian purposes, the Indian Army has made significant progress in enhancing resilience, connectivity, and prosperity throughout the region," the army stated.
The cargo train's arrival in Anantnag with 753 metric tons of advance winter stock was described by the army as a historic achievement.
"Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) witnessed a historic milestone with the successful run of a freight Train, the first exclusive freight train of the Indian Army, from BD Bari to Anantnag," an army statement revealed.
"The train transported 753 metric tonnes of Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) loads for Indian Army units and formations in J&K, marking a decisive turning point in the Army's AWS modus operandi. This strategic initiative underscores the Indian Army's ongoing capability development efforts to ensure operational preparedness in challenging Himalayan terrain," the army explained.
After delivering the winter supplies to the Army at Anantnag station, the train proceeded to Budgam. This morning, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha officially flagged off the freight train carrying apples.
The army characterized this operation as "dual use logistics and military-civil fusion".
"This initiative not only strengthens the army's winter preparedness but also delivers direct benefits to local communities. Farmers, who previously experienced substantial losses due to road blockages caused by landslides and floods, will now have the ability to transport their produce without interruption, ensuring both economic relief and livelihood security," the army concluded.