Railway storage facilities to help Kashmir apple growers, saffron traders
Jammu Division has taken a significant initiative with the objective of making logistics facilities in the Kashmir Valley world-class and giving new momentum to local trade. Tenders have been invited for the development and operation of state-of-the-art warehouse and storage units through private investment near Anantnag and Pampore railway stations under the Division. This scheme has been implemented for a long-term period of 25 years under the Railway’s Cargo Related Facility (CRF) Policy dated 14th February 2026, which provides a golden opportunity for a permanent business partnership with the Railways for investors.
This initiative will bring benefits at multiple levels. In view of the ongoing apple season in Kashmir and the famous saffron production of Pampore, the availability of storage facility right next to the station will allow orchardists and traders to keep their produce safe, prevent it from getting spoiled and store it till they get the right market price. Warehouses near the railway station will save a lot of loading-unloading cost and time, and products will be able to reach the big markets of the country directly through rail faster and cheaper.
It is also a highly profitable scheme for private investors. The long lease period of 25 years will ensure stable and long-term returns on their investment. Along with this, new employment opportunities will be created in the Valley and the local economy will be strengthened.
Under this, this facility will be provided at three railway stations in Jammu Division, which includes Bari Brahman, Anantnag and Pampore in the first phase.
Sharing information in this regard, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal said, “The development of warehouses in Anantnag and Pampore is a big gift for the local products of Kashmir. This scheme will not only increase the freight carrying capacity of the Railways, but will also provide a permanent solution to the problem of cold chain and safe storage for perishable products like apples and saffron. We appeal to private investors to participate enthusiastically in this long-term and profitable scheme of 25 years and become partners in building a Viksit Bharat as well as Viksit Jammu and Kashmir.”
Interested investors can become a part of this beneficial scheme by submitting their tender on http://www.ireps.gov.in.