Budgam, Sept. 11 -- In a major relief for fruit growers in the Kashmir Valley, the Indian Railways has launched two dedicated parcel vans to transport fresh produce to Jammu and Delhi. The decision comes at a time when the region's horticulture sector is facing mounting losses due to the continued closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) following landslides and incessant rains.

Railway officials confirmed that the two vans departed from Budgam Railway Station on Thursday morning. One is en route to Delhi, while the other is headed for Jammu, both carrying significant consignments of the Valley's famed apples.

"This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the produce of local growers doesn't go to waste," said a senior railwa...