Jammu, May 25,2026- In a major boost to fruit growers and the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, the season’s first Cherry Special Parcel Van carrying Kashmir’s famous deep-red cherries departed from Jammu for Mumbai on Sunday.
The initiative by Indian Railways aims to ensure faster transportation of fresh cherries from the Valley to major markets across the country while maintaining quality and freshness during transit.
Officials said around 12 tonnes of cherries, packed in nearly 966 boxes, were loaded into the specially arranged parcel van with proper measures taken to preserve the fruit’s freshness and quality. The special service is expected to benefit cherry growers and traders by reducing transportation time and improving market access.
The parcel van will travel from Jammu to Bandra Terminus in approximately 33 hours, ensuring that the highly perishable fruit reaches Mumbai markets quickly and in fresh condition.
The move has been welcomed by horticulture growers and traders, who said the special railway service would help enhance the reach of Kashmiri cherries in national markets and provide better returns to farmers.
Kashmir’s cherry season is known for producing premium-quality fruit that is widely appreciated for its taste, colour, and freshness. The Valley’s horticulture sector plays a vital role in the region’s economy and provides livelihood to thousands of families associated with fruit cultivation and trade.
Officials said such initiatives are expected to strengthen the supply chain, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote Jammu and Kashmir’s fruit industry on a larger scale.
