A Food Corporation of India (FCI) freight train carrying around 1,384 tonnes of foodgrains arrived at Anantnag Goods Terminal in Kashmir on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This is the first time such a large load has been directly transported by rail to South Kashmir. The train departed from Ajitwal railway station in Punjab. An FCI spokesman called this a "major milestone for rail-based logistics in the Kashmir Valley" and said it "formally integrates the region with the national freight rail network." The arrival of the freight train will ensure a steady and efficient supply of foodgrains, especially to remote areas of the Valley. "Rail-based transportation will not only enhance the reliability of buffer stock movement but also reduce transportation costs, making the supply chain faster and more economical," the spokesman added. The development is expected to boost local markets, strengthen Kashmir's agricultural economy, and create new opportunities in logistics and related sectors. The opening of the Anantnag Goods Terminal has paved the way for expanded freight operations in the future. "The initiative represents a significant step towards improving food security, modernising freight infrastructure, and reinforcing the Valley’s connectivity with the rest of the country through sustainable and efficient rail transport," the spokesman said. Earlier in September, the first-ever freight train reached Kashmir Valley's base, ending the region's dependence on weather-sensitive road transport for goods. This new rail service promises to change how essential commodities are moved in Kashmir.