New Delhi, 18 July (H.S.): A new chapter has been added to goods transportation in the Kashmir Valley as the Jammu Division of Northern Railway successfully operated the first freight rake at the Pampore Goods Shed, giving a fresh direction to rail-based freight movement in the region. The first rake arrived at the facility on July 17, two days after the goods shed began operations on July 15.

Located on the Baramulla-Sangaldan railway section, the Pampore Goods Shed is the second goods handling facility in the Kashmir Valley after Anantnag. Railway officials said the successful operation of the first freight rake demonstrates that Pampore is ready to emerge as a new centre for freight transportation and logistics in the Valley.

The first freight rake brought consignments of UltraTech, ACC, and Ambuja Cement from Bharatgarh and Kiratpur Sahib in the Ambala Division through 21 BCN wagons. The goods shed will provide booking and handling facilities for freight services every day from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

According to the Railways, the launch of the Pampore Goods Shed will provide major relief to fruit growers, farmers, and traders dealing in cement and construction materials in the Valley. They will no longer need to depend on Anantnag or other distant freight centres for transporting goods, which will help reduce both travel time and transportation costs.

The Railways said the facility will also create employment opportunities in local loading and unloading operations, transportation, packaging, and other related activities. It will further reduce pressure on the Anantnag Goods Shed and ensure faster and smoother movement of freight across the region.

Northern Railway believes that an improved rail freight network will boost industrial and commercial activities in Jammu and Kashmir while also increasing railway revenue. The railway administration has urged trade bodies, industries, and the general public to make maximum use of the facilities available at the Pampore Goods Shed and contribute towards strengthening the “Make in Kashmir” initiative.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar