Srinagar, Dec 21 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, extended his congratulations to the railway officials as the inaugural foodgrain freight train from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) successfully arrived in the Kashmir Valley.

Commenting on this significant milestone, the Chief Minister's Office announced on X: “The Chief Minister commends @Drm_Jammu as, for the first time ever, a foodgrain freight train from the Food Corporation of India has reached Kashmir today, with the initial rice rake positioned at the Anantnag goods shed.”

This rake features 21 wagons loaded with approximately 1,384 tonnes of rice intended for buffer stock and public distribution. The Chief Minister remarked that this development will facilitate quicker transit, alleviate the burden on National Highway-44, and enhance the foodgrain supply chain within the Kashmir Valley.

Notably, this marks a significant advancement for food security and logistics in Kashmir, as the first-ever foodgrain freight train from the Food Corporation of India has reached the Anantnag Goods Terminal, heralding a new era for rail-based deliveries to the Valley.

The train, which was dispatched from the Ajitwal railway station located in Punjab's Firozpur Division, is transporting around 1,384 tonnes of foodgrains distributed across 21 covered wagons.

Officials indicated that this initiative will guarantee continuous supplies, especially to the more remote and isolated regions of Kashmir.

The Anantnag Goods Terminal, which commenced operations on August 9 of this year under the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, has previously managed cement rakes and various industrial and mixed goods.

The arrival of this first foodgrain rake introduces a vital element to its operations. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for the Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, expressed that transporting foodgrains via rail will ensure faster, more economical, and reliable deliveries.

“This will guarantee a steady supply of foodgrains, particularly in the remote areas of the Valley, while simultaneously lowering transportation costs,” stated the Senior Divisional Manager.

The introduction of train services to the Kashmir Valley has not only alleviated pressure from the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for both passengers and goods but has also resolved the unpredictability of passenger and goods transit into the Valley, which is often disrupted by rain and inclement weather, causing highway closures for extended periods.