Jammu, April 16 : A joint parcel product rapid cargo service (JPP-RCS) train will operate from Adarsh Nagar in New Delhi to Budgam in Kashmir from Friday, Northern Railway officials said on Thursday.

A statement by the Northern Railway said that the JPP-RCS train will run between Adarsh Nagar station in New Delhi and Budgam in Central Kashmir.

Officials said this will give relief to traders in the Valley, particularly fruit growers and handicrafts artisans. The service will run regularly on a trial basis till May 31, after which it is likely to be inducted into regular service subject to satisfactory occupancy levels, an official release said.

Train 00462 will depart from Budgam at 6.15 a.m. and arrive at Delhiâ??s Adarsh Nagar at 5 a.m. the following day.

To facilitate loading and unloading operations en route, the train will also make scheduled halts at Bari Brahmana and Ambala cantonment stations.

The timing for Train 00462 at Bari Brahmana Railway Station has been revised to provide greater convenience to the trading community, the statement said.

On the return journey, Train 00461 will depart from Adarsh Nagar at 5 a.m. and arrive at Budgam at 10.45 a.m. the next day. This special parcel train would consist of eight parcel vans and one seating-cum-luggage rake.

The railways said the service offers faster transit than road transport, covering the distance in 23-24 hours and ensuring perishable goods such as apples and cherries remain fresh.

â??This initiative has been undertaken with the objective of strengthening the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and facilitating the rapid transport of local products, such as saffron, walnuts, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts to markets across the country,â?? the press statement said.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal told reporters that Northern Railway has decided to run the parcel train on a regular basis from April 17 to May 31 following persistent demand from traders and farmers.

/IANS