Historic First: Indian Railways Transports Live Animals, 23 Exotic Bulls Reach Kashmir from Bengaluru

Srinagar: In a landmark achievement, Indian Railways has transported live animals for the first time in its history. Twenty-three exotic breed bulls were safely moved from Bengaluru to Kashmir via a freight train, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s railway logistics. Until now, Indian Railways had only transported goods such as parcels, meat, poultry, fruits, steel, cement, and cars, but never live livestock over such a long distance.

The bulls were transported in specially designed freight coaches to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the journey. Six bulls were unloaded at the Bari Brahmana goods depot in Jammu, while the remaining 17 reached the Budgam depot in central Kashmir. Officials stated that this initiative is part of the Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Department’s breeding and development program, facilitated efficiently by the railway.

A senior railway official said, “The Jammu Railway Division has achieved a historic feat by delivering the first batch of exotic bulls from Bengaluru to Kashmir, ensuring the availability of high-quality livestock in the region. This transportation is not only a logistical success but also a potential game-changer for Kashmir’s dairy economy.”

Adhering to High Standards of Animal Welfare
The freight train carrying the bulls passed through multiple states before reaching Kashmir via the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Indian Standards Bureau (BIS) protocols were strictly followed, including the use of specialized compartments, to ensure the bulls experienced no physical harm or stress during transit.

Boosting Local Dairy Economy at Lower Cost
Ujwal Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, said, “The arrival of high-quality exotic bulls will improve local cattle breeds and significantly increase milk production. Railway transportation has proven to be more cost-effective than road transport, while also ensuring safe and timely delivery even during adverse weather conditions.” He added that this move is expected to enhance the income of dairy farmers and usher in a new era of the White Revolution in the region.

The rail link itself, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June last year, fulfills a century-old dream of connecting Kashmir to India’s national railway network. The link allows year-round transportation, reducing dependence on the 271-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which often remains closed during winter and monsoon seasons, causing losses to traders and farmers.