Srinagar, Sept. 16 -- Amid massive losses to Kashmir's horticulture sector due to the nearly three-week disruption of the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the launch of a dedicated cargo train to ferry apples outside the valley has brought some relief.
Formally flagged off from Budgam yesterday by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the service marks the first time apples are being transported in bulk by rail from the Valley.
However, apple growers argue that the facility is far from sufficient to meet the huge demand-supply chain.
Railway officials who described the Parcel Cargo Train as a "historic achievement and a matter of great pride," said nearly 700 tonnes of apples have been dispatched from Kashmir since September 11 when the service was in...