Mehboba Mufti Byte… _________ Mehbooba Mufti Urges Union Railway Minister for Dedicated Train Service to Support Kashmir's Fruit Growers In a bid to alleviate the challenges faced by fruit growers in Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the introduction of a dedicated train service between Kashmir and Delhi. This request comes in light of the ongoing closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which has severely impacted the transportation of perishable goods. While speaking to reporters at party office Srinagar, Mufti highlighted the financial strain that fruit growers endure each year due to the closure of NH 44. "Unfortunately, this year, the road has once again been closed, leaving hundreds of fruit-laden vehicles stranded, resulting in inevitable losses," she said. Mufti further requested, "A dedicated train service between the valley and Delhi would bring much-needed relief to the fruit industry." She called on the Union Railway Minister to take immediate action, stating, "Such a measure would benefit everyone involved in the trade." Mufti also noted that tourism has been adversely affected following recent incidents, such as the Pahalgam attack, and emphasized that the fruit industry has played a crucial role in sustaining Jammu and Kashmir during challenging times. "Today, there is a need for a special cargo train so that the fruit is transported from J-K to Delhi. It is the need of the hour as the fruit growers should reap the benefits of train services," she added. In her appeal, Mufti urged the Railway Minister to arrange for a special cargo train to facilitate swift transportation of fruits to markets across the country. She expressed concern over recent floods in Jammu, stating, "The recent floods have already wreaked havoc in J-K, and it will be disastrous for the UT if the fruits rot." ENDS____