The Indian Railways has launched a rapid cargo train service between Budgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir, and New Delhi's Adarsh Nagar, starting Friday. This initiative aims to provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative to road transport for local fruit growers and handicraft merchants. With the arrival of perishable cash crops such as cherries, peaches, and plums in May, local businessmen anticipate transport costs will decrease by 30% to 40% compared to traditional trucking methods. This move follows a request from Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, prompted by last monsoon's landslides that disrupted highway transport. The service will initially operate on a trial basis until May 31, with future operations depending on occupancy levels. The train, which departs Budgam at 6:15 am and arrives in New Delhi by 5 am the next day, is designed for efficiency and includes strategic halts to support regional traders. Local trade leaders view this as a significant boost for the Valley's economy, urging the government to expand this service to all major stations.