<p data-path-to-node="5">A proposal by Indian Railways to transport Himachal Pradesh's seasonal apple and horticulture harvest to wholesale markets across India has drawn a cautious response from regional growers and commission agents, who cite concerns over high freight tariffs, multi-modal handling risks, and cargo preservation.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">During a stakeholder review meeting convened by Northern Railway officials in Shimla, the Railways presented an intermodal freight plan to haul fruit consignments via rail from regional hubs in Kalka and Chandigarh to major distribution centers nationwide.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8">Key Operational Highlights &amp; Supply Chain Concerns</h3><ul data-path-to-node="9"><li><p data-path-to-node="9,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Tariff Disparity with Road Transport:</b> Representatives from the Himachal Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board (HPSAMB) highlighted that the initial freight rates quoted by Indian Railways are higher than existing road transport tariffs. Stakeholders have urged railway authorities to provide a revised, cost-competitive tariff structure.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Multi-Touch Handling &amp; Quality Degradation:</b> Under the proposed blueprint, produce would need to be trucked to Kalka or Chandigarh, loaded onto trains, and re-transferred onto trucks at destination terminals. Farmers warned that frequent handling increases the risk of fruit bruising and cargo spoilage.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Demand for Direct Loading Infrastructure:</b> To eliminate unnecessary handling and reduce transit times, growers and HPSAMB officials advocated establishing direct rail loading facilities in Shimla rather than requiring long-distance road drayage to stations in the plains.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Alternative Logistics Potential:</b> Despite rate concerns, orchardists recognized that a reliable, climate-controlled rail option could break road transport monopolies, accelerate delivery to tier-2 and tier-3 terminal markets, and improve overall supply chain reliability.</p></li></ul>