Railways gives wings to J&K cherries with fast-track Mumbai delivery; First cherry special to be flagged off tomorrow

The valley’s juicy, deep-red cherries will now reach Mumbai’s markets at the speed of Indian Railways. The season’s first Cherry Special Parcel Van is fully ready to depart from Jammu tomorrow, on 25 May. This is a major leap by the Railways towards delivering J&K’s horticulture produce to every corner of the country in record time. 

Around 12 tonnes of cherries were loaded into the season’s first parcel van today, 24 May. After loading, the parcel van will be attached to Train No. 19028, Jammu Tawi–Bandra Terminus Vivek Express. The train will depart from Jammu for Mumbai at exactly 05:45 AM on 25 May.

Keeping in mind the delicate freshness of the fruit, the Railways has made special arrangements. This parcel van will reach Bandra Terminus from Jammu in a record time of just 33 hours. Such fast delivery will preserve the quality of the cherries, and the people of Mumbai will get the taste of fresh cherries picked straight from the orchards.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, on this significant achievement, said, “Indian Railways is committed to ensuring that the hard work of J&K’s orchardists gets the right price and a nationwide market. Cherry is an extremely delicate fruit, and delivering it to the market within hours is a challenge. Our team has prepared special logistics for this. We have sufficient parcel vans and resources available this season to meet every demand of the traders.”

The season’s consignment comprises around 12 tonnes of premium-quality cherries, containing approximately 966 boxes, being sent to Mumbai. There is tremendous enthusiasm among farmers and traders regarding this service. So far, a total of 28 VP indents have been received from Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra stations for cherry transportation.

Singhal further added, “Apart from these 28 special VPs, the SLR coach facility available in regular trains on the route will also continue. Earlier, 18 tonnes of cherries have already been sent to Mumbai. Small and medium traders will also be able to send their low-volume consignments safely and affordably.”

This fast, safe, and time-bound parcel service of Indian Railways will not only reduce transit time but also strengthen the dream of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by ensuring the best price for the produce of J&K’s orchardists. Now, the sweetness of the valley’s cherries will resonate across the country.