Jammu, April 4 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to connect the fruit sector and parcel trade of the Kashmir Valley with national markets, the Northern Railway convened a stakeholders meeting aimed at enhancing rail-based parcel movement from the Valley, officials reported on Saturday.

According to railway officials, the objective of this meeting was to boost the economic prospects of the Valley by integrating its fruit industry and parcel trade with national markets. The Jammu Division of Northern Railway organized the meeting specifically to discuss strategies for improving rail-based parcel transport.

The meeting, which took place in Srinagar on Friday, focused on developing a comprehensive strategy to increase parcel traffic originating from the Kashmir region, positioning railways as a dependable, timely, and cost-efficient alternative to road transport.

Chaired by an Additional Member (Commercial) of the Railway Board, the gathering included Jammu's Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, alongside parcel traders from Kashmir, notable fruit producers, and key cargo aggregators.

The primary goal of the meeting was to outline a solid framework for elevating parcel traffic from the Valley.

Discussions were particularly centered on establishing the rail route as a more dependable, timely, and economical alternative for transporting cherries and other fruit products.

Key strategic points were discussed, including methods to enhance the occupancy of the JPP-RCS (Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service) parcel train, which departs from Badgam in Central Kashmir at 6:15 a.m., proceeding via Bari Brahmana and Ambala Cantonment, and arriving at Adarsh Nagar in Delhi at 5:30 a.m. the next day, thereby ensuring prompt delivery for traders.

A consensus was achieved to work collaboratively with cargo aggregators to assist small-scale traders and producers.

This partnership will facilitate the efficient consolidation of smaller parcel loads for transportation via train.

Plans for upgrading loading facilities at the Badgam, Srinagar, and Pampore railway stations were also presented during the meeting.

In order to further stimulate parcel traffic, the Railway administration discussed the possibility of offering competitive freight rates and introducing special concession schemes for aggregators handling bulk bookings.

Singhal emphasized that the meeting's intention was to create a streamlined supply chain that allows farmers and traders in Kashmir to transport their products all the way to Kanyakumari without delays.

"Products originating from Kashmir possess a unique identity on the global stage... the Railways is not just a mode of transport but also a key partner in the economic growth of this region," added Jammu's Senior Divisional Commercial Manager.

The railway connection to the Valley from Katra town in the Jammu division was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June of the previous year.