First-Ever rail consignment of industrial salt reaches Kashmir from Gujarat

First-Ever Rail Consignment of Industrial Salt Reaches Kashmir from Gujarat

In a major boost to freight movement in the Kashmir Valley, 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt arrived for the first time by train from Kharaghoda station in the Ahmedabad Division, Gujarat to Anantnag station in Jammu & Kashmir.

The rake was loaded at Kharaghoda, and reached Anantnag covering about 2,000 km

Kharaghoda is a census town and a prominent salt-producing area in the Surendranagar district of Gujarat, located on the border of the Little Rann of Kutch. Kharaghoda salt is renowned for its high purity, with some varieties containing over 98% sodium chloride. Refineries in the area produce both industrial and edible-grade salt.

The consignment will be used in
1. Chemical Industry:
Used to produce caustic soda, soda ash, chlorine, and hydrochloric acid.
2. Soap Industry:
Acts as a stabilizer and thickening agent in soap and detergent manufacturing.
3.Leather Industry:
Used for curing and preserving hides before tanning.
4.Brick Kilns:
Helps regulate temperature and improve brick firing quality.
5.Food Processing:
Used in refined form for preservation and water softening.
6.De-icing:
Sprinkled on roads and tracks to melt snow and ice.
7.Water Treatment: Removes hardness by eliminating calcium and magnesium ions.
8. Pharmaceuticals & Dyes:
Serves as a raw material for saline, dyes, and chemical intermediates.
9. Agriculture:
Applied in limited quantities for soil treatment and weed control.

This development marks a significant milestone in expanding the use of the rail network for freight operations in Kashmir, reducing transit time, logistics costs, and dependence on road transport.