First Freight Rake Handled at Pampore Goods Shed, Boosting Rail Logistics in Kashmir Valley
In a significant milestone for rail freight operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Northern Railway’s Jammu Division successfully handled the first freight rake at the newly commissioned Pampore (PMPE) Goods Shed on July 17. The development marks the beginning of commercial goods operations at the facility and is expected to strengthen logistics infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley while providing a major boost to trade, agriculture and industry.
The Pampore Goods Shed, located on the Baramulla–Sangaldan rail section, officially commenced operations on July 15 after receiving approval from the competent authority. Within just 24 hours of becoming operational, the facility received its first freight rake, demonstrating its readiness to handle cargo movement efficiently.
The new terminal is the second railway goods shed in the Kashmir Valley after Anantnag and is expected to play a crucial role in improving freight connectivity across the region. Railway officials described the successful handling of the inaugural rake as a historic achievement that will facilitate faster, more economical and reliable transportation of goods to and from the valley.
The first freight rake to arrive at Pampore carried cement, catering to the growing construction demand in the region. The consignment consisted of 21 BCN wagons loaded with cement from Bharatgarh and another 21 BCN wagons from Kiratpur Sahib in Ambala Division. The wagons carried consignments of UltraTech, ACC and Ambuja cement, marking the beginning of regular freight operations at the terminal.
Northern Railway has announced that booking and handling services at the Pampore Goods Shed will be available daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing extended operational hours for traders and businesses.
Railway officials believe the commissioning of the new goods shed will deliver multiple economic benefits to the Kashmir Valley. Fruit growers, farmers, traders and businesses dealing in cement, construction materials and other commodities will now have access to a closer rail freight facility instead of relying solely on the Anantnag Goods Shed or other distant terminals. This is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs and transit time, making rail freight a more attractive option for businesses across the valley.
The new logistics hub is also expected to generate local employment opportunities. Activities such as loading and unloading, transportation, warehousing, packaging and related logistics services are likely to create new jobs while supporting ancillary industries. Railway officials believe this will contribute to strengthening the local economy and encourage greater commercial activity in the region.
Another important advantage of the Pampore Goods Shed is the reduction of freight traffic pressure on the Anantnag Goods Shed. With two operational freight terminals in the valley, railway authorities expect faster clearance of cargo and smoother handling of consignments, improving the overall efficiency of rail logistics. Businesses will benefit from more reliable movement of goods both into Kashmir and from the valley to markets across the country.
Officials also noted that improved freight infrastructure is expected to provide fresh momentum to industrial development and commercial activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Better connectivity through rail transport can lower logistics costs, improve supply chains and encourage investment in sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, manufacturing and construction.
Northern Railway added that increased freight traffic through the new goods shed would also contribute to higher railway revenue. The additional earnings generated from freight operations are expected to support future investments in railway infrastructure and passenger amenities across the region.
Appealing to traders, industrialists and business organizations, the Railway administration urged stakeholders to make maximum use of the new freight facility. Officials said wider participation by the trade community would help promote economic development in the Kashmir Valley and support the vision of strengthening local production under the “Make in Kashmir” initiative.
The successful handling of the first freight rake at Pampore Goods Shed marks an important step in expanding rail-based logistics in Jammu and Kashmir and is expected to enhance the region’s integration with the national freight network while opening new opportunities for trade, employment and economic growth.
