Srinagar, April 17 -- In a significant boost for Jammu and Kashmir's fruit growers and handicraft merchants, the Indian Railways announced the launch of a rapid cargo train between Budgam and New Delhi's Adarsh Nagar starting on Friday.

This dedicated service aims to provide a faster, more reliable, and cost-effective alternative to road transport, arriving at a critical juncture for the region's horticulture sector. With perishable cash crops like cherries, peaches, and plums set to hit the market in May, local businessmen estimate that the rail link will be approximately 30% to 40% cheaper than traditional trucking.

Bypassing highway disruptions

The initiative follows a formal request from chief minister Omar Abdullah after last mons...