Maruti Suzuki Becomes First Carmaker To Transport Vehicles To Kashmir By Train

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved a historic first by becoming the first automobile manufacturer to deliver vehicles to the Kashmir valley through railway transportation. The landmark inaugural shipment reached the Anantnag railway terminal on Friday, marking a significant development in automotive logistics. The maiden train carried more than 100 vehicles, featuring popular models including the Brezza, Dzire, WagonR, and S-Presso. 

The shipment originated from Maruti's Manesar facility's in-plant railway siding, covering approximately 850 kilometres before arriving at its destination in Jammu & Kashmir.

Historic Route Via World's Highest Railway Bridge 

A key highlight of this transportation route is its passage across the Chenab river railway arch bridge, recognised as the world's tallest railway arch bridge. Inaugurated earlier this year, this engineering marvel is an integral component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and streamline logistics operations in the region.

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative impact of this railway connection, noting its previous use for transporting apples from the valley and its new role in automobile distribution. "Jammu – Srinagar railway line is a game changer for the people of Jammu & Kashmir," he stated.

Rail Logistics Infrastructure

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said that railway transportation remains a cornerstone of the company's distribution strategy. He acknowledged the role of infrastructure development under the present government in expanding connectivity options. "The world's highest railway arch bridge over Chenab river is one such landmark, enabling seamless and efficient connectivity to Kashmir valley," Takeuchi said.

The automobile manufacturer maintains two dedicated in-plant railway sidings at its Manesar and Gujarat production facilities, operating in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. These specialised sidings enable direct vehicle transportation from manufacturing plants to destinations nationwide.

Green Logistics Initiative

Maruti Suzuki earned distinction as the first automobile company to obtain an AFTO (Approved Freight Transport Operator) license in 2013. Since the fiscal year 2014-15, the company has successfully transported over 2.6 million vehicles through Indian Railways, demonstrating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and minimising road traffic congestion.