Srinagar, Sep 18 (JKNS): Residents of Sopore have reiterated their demand for a dedicated parcel train service to safeguard the apple trade and minimize the massive losses faced by growers due to frequent highway closures and transportation hurdles.
MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, who had already written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in January this year regarding the issue, has once again renewed his appeal this time urging both the Union Railway Minister and CM Omar Abdullah to personally intervene for restoring Sopore Railway Station to its full-fledged status.
Kar pointed out that Sopore station, which was once fully operational, was downgraded to a halt point after the 2016 unrest, with its staff and assets shifted to Baramulla.
He said this move crippled Sopore’s horticulture economy, which relies heavily on smooth and timely transport.
“Reviving Sopore station and introducing freight train services is not just about passenger travel it is a lifeline for thousands of families who depend on the apple trade. It will reduce transportation costs, ease post-harvest losses, and directly benefit the entire economy of the Valley,” Kar said.
Speaking to news agency JKNS, the MLA stressed the historic role of Sopore Fruit Mandi, established in 1989 by former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, which has since grown into Asia’s second-largest fruit market.
“This mandi is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. More than 300 trucks are loaded daily from here, and nearly 70 percent of India’s apple exports come from Kashmir. If the station is not revived and freight services are not introduced, our entire horticulture sector remains vulnerable,” he remarked.
Kar said that Sopore Fruit Mandi is located barely 1.5 km from Sangrama railway station, which previously operated as a full station but was downgraded to a halt point.
“The government must answer whether it wants to ease business or make it harsher. At present, growers are forced to transport their produce nearly 60-62 kilometers away for loading and unloading. Is Budgam more convenient for Sopore Mandi, or Sopore itself which is right next door? The answer is clear. This is about logic, economy, and survival,” Kar asserted.
He questioned why growers are being denied a basic facility despite Sopore hosting Asia’s largest fruit mandi. “We are demanding only one thing facilitation. Give us one point for loading and unloading, restore the status of Sopore Railway Station, and provide a dedicated parcel service. This will directly safeguard our industry and economy,” Kar said.
MLA expressed hope that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s request to the Union Railway Ministry will be heard immediately and ensure that the long-pending demand of Sopore residents and growers is finally addressed. (JKNS)
