Goods Services Begin : First consignment of cement to arrive at Anantnag Railway Station today

Srinagar, Aug 08: The first cement rake is scheduled to arrive at Anantnag Railway Station on Saturday, August 9, marking the start of goods transport operations from the station under Northern Railway’s Jammu Division. All arrangements have been completed to ensure smooth handling of the consignment, officials said.The development follows the formal opening of Anantnag for goods traffic earlier this week, enabling the station to handle both inbound and outbound freight daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. All types of goods, except petroleum products, will be moved through railway rakes.A senior railway official told Rising Kashmir that the first cement rake will arrive at Anantnag station on Saturday, for which all arrangements have been finalised.“The arrival of the first rake is not just a logistical achievement but a milestone for trade and connectivity in south Kashmir. This will give local businesses access to faster, safer, and more cost-effective transport options, especially during the winter months when roads are often closed,” he said.Railway authorities said the move will provide better market access for Kashmir’s horticulture produce, handicrafts, and fresh goods, reduce transportation costs for traders, and ensure faster delivery.Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, said the arrival of the first rake will be a significant moment in boosting connectivity and trade for south Kashmir, adding that all safety, environmental, and security guidelines will be followed.The launch of freight services at Anantnag comes as the Valley enjoys full rail connectivity from Katra to Srinagar, aided by the completion of the Chenab rail bridge, the world’s highest under the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project.