First freight train from Gujarat delivers industrial salt to Kashmir

In a significant boost to freight connectivity, the first-ever train carrying industrial salt from Gujarat arrived in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday, marking a new milestone for the Jammu division of Northern Railway. The 21-wagon train, loaded with 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt from Kharaghoda Goods Shed in Gujarat, reached the Anantnag goods terminal, opening up a new trade route between western India and the Kashmir Valley.

Industrial salt is a vital raw material for several sectors, including tanning, pulp and paper, soap manufacturing, and brick kilns. Officials said the new rail service would help maintain a steady flow of such essential industrial inputs to the Valley, cutting transportation costs and transit time while reducing reliance on road networks that often face disruptions during harsh weather.

Freight movement in the Valley has been expanding steadily in recent months, with regular train services now transporting apples from Kashmir to Delhi and bringing Maruti vehicles and other goods into the region. Officials noted that the successful delivery of this consignment is likely to encourage more freight operations on the route, further integrating Kashmir with major industrial centres across India.