Srinagar, Sep 11 (JKNS): Amid massive losses faced by fruit growers due to rotting apples stuck on the Srinagar–Jammu highway, railway authorities on Thursday announced priority movement of a Motor-cum-Parcel Van (VPU) to Budgam.
A senior official from railway told news agency JKNS that the VPU is scheduled to reach Budgam at 11:00 am today and has been accorded top priority for loading and onward movement of apple consignments.
They added that if any other train service is disrupted due to this arrangement, necessary adjustments will be made, but ensuring the timely arrival of the VPU at Budgam remains the foremost priority.
The decision comes as thousands of apple-laden trucks remain stranded on the highway after landslides at Thard, leaving fruit worth millions at risk of decay.
Farmers and traders, watching their produce rot, described the situation as heartbreaking. “This is our only source of livelihood. Every day of delay means huge losses,” an apple grower said.
Authorities said the special parcel van is expected to provide immediate relief to some extent, but the larger crisis highlights the urgent need for alternate routes to safeguard Kashmir’s horticulture economy. (JKNS)
