Season’s first parcel van departs for Mumbai today

Jammu, May 24 :The season’s first special parcel van, carrying Kashmir valley’s luscious cherries, is all set to depart for Mumbai from Jammu Railway Station tomorrow, May 25, 2026.

The special parcel van, carrying around 12 tonnes of cherries, will reach Mumbai in 33 hours.

“This is a major leap by the Railways in terms of delivering J&K’s horticulture produce to every corner of the country in record time, thus offering good news for the fruit growers and traders of Jammu and Kashmir. Around 12 tonnes of the Kashmir valley’s juicy, deep-red cherries were loaded into the season’s first parcel van today, May 24,” informed Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division.

He stated that after loading, the parcel van will be attached to Jammu Tawi–Bandra Terminus Vivek Express (train number 19028).

“The train will depart from Jammu for Mumbai at exactly 5.45 am on May 25. Keeping in mind the delicate fruit, the Railways has made special arrangements to retain its freshness. 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,” Singh mentioned.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Jammu Railway Division, Uchit Singhal describing the development as “significant achievement”, said, “Indian Railways is committed to ensure 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. The team of Jammu Railway Division prepared special logistics for it.”

“We have sufficient parcel vans and resources available this season to meet every demand of the traders,” Singhal said.

Giving a brief account of the first cherry consignment from J&K during the current season through the special parcel van, he informed that it comprised 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, total 28 VP indents have been received from Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway stations for cherry transportation,” he shared.

According to Singhal, apart from 28 special VPs (parcel vans), the SLR (Seating cum Luggage Rake) coach facility available in regular trains on the route will also continue.

“Earlier, 18 tonnes of cherries had already been sent to Mumbai. Small and medium traders will also be able to send their low-volume consignments safely and affordably. The 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,” Singhal said.