Srinagar: For the first time in the country’s history, the Army has used a freight train to stock-up on supplies for its units and formations in Jammu and Kashmir to last the harsh winter ahead. Trucks had to be used for this movement till 2024 as the rail link between Katra and Baramulla was yet to be commissioned.
The Army has called this a major breakthrough in the movement of Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) and civil-military fusion. Movement of goods by train is cheaper and faster. It also does away with problems of movement faced by heavily-laden road vehicles through difficult terrain.
“The:running of the first exclusive freight train of the Indian Army, from B D Bari to Anantnag along the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) was a historic milestone. On September 12-13, it carried 753 tonnes of AWS. This was a decisive turning point in the Army’s stocking policy and underscores its ongoing capability development efforts to ensure operational preparedness in challenging Himalayan terrain,” an official said.
In a unique demonstration of dual-use logistics and military–civil fusion, the return rake of the freight train will transport Kashmiri apples to markets in the rest of the country. This step not only strengthens the Army’s winter preparedness but also provides direct benefits to local communities. Farmers, who in the past suffered heavy losses due to road blockages caused by landslides and floods, will now be able to transport their produce seamlessly, ensuring both economic relief and livelihood security.
“The initiative reflects the Army’s role in nation-building, extending beyond its core mission of defence to contribute tangibly to the socio-economic development of Kashmir. By harnessing rail infrastructure for both military and civilian purposes, the Indian Army has taken a major stride in strengthening resilience, connectivity, and prosperity in the region,” the official added.
The 272 km USBRL took nearly 28 years to completed and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 7 this year.
The Banihal to Katra section, the last two be completed has the iconic Chenab and Anji bridges. The 12.75 km long tunnel between Banihal and Sangaldan – the longest operational railway tunnel in the country is also a technical wonder.