Indian Railways’ All-Weather Connectivity to Kashmir Valley Ensures Reliable Foodgrain Supply, Cuts Logistics Costs Amid Adverse Weather

The first full rake of foodgrain (rice) reached Anantnag on 22 January 2026, marking a major milestone in freight transportation to the Kashmir Valley and showcasing the strength of all-weather rail connectivity to the region. In a first-of-its-kind achievement, a complete rake comprising 42 wagons carrying 2,768 metric tonnes of rice was transported to the Anantnag goods shed by rail, following sustained coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to reduce logistics costs.

Earlier, only mini rakes comprising 21 wagons carrying 1,384 metric tonnes of foodgrain were moved by rail; however, this time the full rake was successfully loaded from Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on 21 January and transported to Anantnag within 24 hours. Despite adverse weather conditions that had disrupted unloading activities a day earlier, the rake was successfully handled, providing a significant boost to the foodgrain supply chain and distribution network in the Valley.

The milestone marks an important beginning in strengthening the foodgrain distribution network in the Kashmir Valley. The transition from mini rakes and road-based transportation to full-capacity railway wagons is expected to significantly reduce overall logistics and freight costs while ensuring faster and more reliable movement of essential commodities. It will help maintain adequate buffer stocks in the Valley, particularly during adverse weather conditions, and improve the availability of foodgrains for local households.

Reduced reliance on heavy truck traffic along national highways will also contribute to environmental benefits and improved efficiency. Building on the successful movement of apples, cement, fertiliser and now foodgrain, the rail-based logistics is supporting sustained economic activity, resilience and long-term supply chain stability in the region.

The developments underline the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), one of the most ambitious railway engineering projects in independent India. Even as the Valley experiences snowfall and challenging winter conditions, improved rail connectivity is strengthening trade and logistics, directly benefiting farmers, traders and households by ensuring more dependable access to essential goods.