In a historic leap for India’s auto logistics, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has become the country’s first automaker to successfully transport a consignment of vehicles directly into the Kashmir Valley using the Indian Railways network.
The landmark shipment, consisting of over 100 cars—including popular models like the Brezza, Dzire, WagonR, and S-Presso—arrived at the newly operational Anantnag railway terminal in Jammu & Kashmir.
Journey Over an Engineering Marvel
The maiden train journey began at Maruti Suzuki’s in-plant railway siding in Manesar, Haryana, covering a distance of over 850 kilometers in approximately 45 hours. A highlight of the route was the crossing of the Chenab River on the world’s highest railway arch bridge, a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
This strategic rail connection marks a significant shift from relying solely on road transport, offering several key benefits:
- Improved Efficiency and Speed: Rail transport offers a faster and more reliable delivery route, directly benefiting customers in the Valley.
- Green Logistics: The move aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to sustainable practices, as rail transport is a more fuel-efficient and lower-emission alternative to road carriers.
- Reduced Damage: Local dealerships noted that receiving vehicles by train ensures they arrive in factory condition, eliminating the wear and tear associated with long road drives.
Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, hailed the new rail link as a “game changer” for the region, noting that just as Kashmiri apples are now transported by rail, so too will manufactured goods. Maruti Suzuki’s leadership emphasized that this new connectivity is central to the company’s logistics strategy and aligns with the national PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for integrated infrastructure development.
