Indian Railways has started a special parcel service to carry premium cherries from Jammu and Kashmir to Mumbai. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the first parcel van on May 25, 2026, to help local farmers reach bigger markets. This move aims to support the livelihoods of orchardists by providing faster transport for perishable fruits.
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How will the Cherry Special Train operate
The first shipment of the season departed from Jammu at 5:45 AM on May 25, 2026. This special parcel van was attached to Train No. 19028, the Jammu Tawi–Bandra Terminus Vivek Express. The cherries are expected to reach Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus in about 33 hours, which helps keep the fruit fresh for customers.
Key details of the transportation plan
Northern Railway has planned a large scale operation to move cherries from the valley to the city of Mumbai. The details of the logistics are as follows:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Target Quantity | 644 tonnes |
| Number of Parcel Trains | 28 trains |
| Operation Period | May 25 to July 10, 2026 |
| First Shipment Load | 12 tonnes (966 boxes) |
| Previous Shipments | 18 tonnes already transported |
What officials said about the initiative
Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu, mentioned that the railways are committed to giving J&K orchardists access to national markets for better prices. He confirmed that 28 requisitions for parcel vans have been received from Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra stations. Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, added that fast delivery ensures Mumbai residents get cherries picked straight from the orchards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which train is being used for cherry transport?
The special parcel vans are being attached to Train No. 19028, the Jammu Tawi–Bandra Terminus Vivek Express.
How much cherry will be transported in total?
Northern Railway plans to transport 644 tonnes of cherries using 28 parcel trains between May 25 and July 10, 2026.