A consignment of 66 tonnes of cement was transported by rail from Kathua to Anantnag in a move aimed at offering traders a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to road transport.
SRINAGAR — The Jammu Railway Division has recorded its first intra-regional freight transport of cement by rail, moving a consignment from Kathua railway station to the goods shed in Anantnag.
Booked by Ganpati Cement in Kathua, the consignment was dispatched on Monday. Railway officials said the shipment comprised approximately 1,320 bags weighing around 66 tonnes, loaded into a BCN wagon.
Previously, cement destined for the Kashmir Valley was transported primarily by road, while inward rail traffic of goods was largely limited to major complexes. Officials are positioning the rail route as a safer, more economical, and environmentally friendly alternative for traders supplying construction materials to the Valley.
Achyut Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, described the development as a significant step for the region’s freight sector.
“Prior to this, cement was only received as inward traffic at major rail complexes such as Kathua and Anantnag,” Singhal said. “Through the Jammu Division’s continuous efforts and strengthened logistics, outbound loading of cement has been successfully initiated here for the first time.”
Singhal added that the milestone reflects growing interest among local businesses and industries in utilizing the railway network for freight. The division expects to engage more traders and expand cargo transport across the wider region in the coming period.