In a historic moment for logistics and mobility in the Kashmir Valley, Northern Railway has successfully operated its first-ever automobile freight train, delivering 116 brand-new Maruti Suzuki vehicles directly to Anantnag from Manesar, Haryana.
This marks a game-changing development for automobile dealers and customers in the region. Until now, new cars were transported by road, driven for hundreds of kilometres from Jammu—a process that not only added wear to the vehicles but robbed customers of the joy of being the first to drive their brand-new purchase.
The freight train, carrying popular models such as the Brezza, Dzire, WagonR, and S-Presso, departed from Maruti Suzuki’s in-plant Gati Shakti Terminal in Manesar and covered nearly 850 kilometres in just 45 hours, arriving at the Anantnag Goods Shed, a facility that only recently became operational.
“This is more than just a logistical change—it’s a revolution in customer experience,” said a local car dealer. “Customers can now receive their vehicles in pristine, untouched factory condition, without any prior usage or risk during road transit. It’s a win-win for both consumers and dealers.”
The implications are wide-reaching. The Srinagar-Jammu highway, often congested and prone to weather disruptions, will now experience reduced automobile transport load. More importantly, it cements Kashmir’s integration into the national freight and automobile network, bringing with it speed, safety, and supply chain reliability.
This isn’t the first shipment to Anantnag, though. The newly active goods shed had earlier received consignments like cement from Rupnagar, army winter stock, fruits, and other essential goods. The momentum shows that Kashmir’s logistics infrastructure is finally catching up with the rest of the country, allowing smoother trade, reduced travel risks, and faster delivery times.
