Muzaffarpur: The Railways has introduced a special high-capacity parcel van on the Jaynagar–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (11062) Pawan Express to facilitate the transport of Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi to markets across the country.
Railway officials said the move is aimed at ensuring quicker and safer delivery of the fruit during the peak litchi season. Around four tonnes of Shahi Litchi were dispatched from Muzaffarpur Junction to Mumbai on Monday through the newly added parcel facility.
Special Booking Counter Introduced
To streamline the transportation process, the Railway administration has opened a dedicated booking counter near the Sadar Hospital intersection in Muzaffarpur.
Officials said booking services will remain available daily from 8am to 10pm during the season.
The Railways has also created a direct access route from the station premises to the main road through the RPF barracks, allowing vehicles carrying litchis to reach the parcel van directly. The arrangement is expected to reduce loading time and minimise spoilage.
Additional Halt Granted At Muzaffarpur Junction
The Samastipur Railway Division has approved an additional temporary stoppage of 10 minutes for the Pawan Express at Muzaffarpur Junction.
With a total halt time of 15 minutes now available, traders said loading operations can be carried out more efficiently and safely.
Traders Welcome Railway Initiative
Litchi traders and association members welcomed the Railway’s arrangements, saying the new system addresses long-standing logistical concerns.
Bachcha Prasad Singh, president of the Litchi Association, said the improved management would benefit both farmers and traders.
He said previous seasons were marked by delays and loading difficulties, but the new arrangements had simplified the process significantly.
Trader Mohammad Shakeel said the initiative would also help small-scale traders who previously struggled to access railway transport facilities due to limited shipment volumes.
He said timely and secure transportation would help traders send produce to distant markets more easily and improve returns for farmers.
Demand Expected To Rise In Metro Markets
Traders Braj Kishore Sahni and Ramesh Kumar Sah said Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi continues to witness strong demand in metropolitan markets, particularly Mumbai.
They said faster delivery and improved handling could help farmers secure better prices by ensuring fresher produce reaches consumers on time.
Railway officials said the addition of the parcel van would increase transport capacity and strengthen seasonal fruit trade from Bihar.
Boost For Bihar’s GI-Tagged Produce
Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi is widely recognised for its distinctive taste and quality and holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Traders said the Railway initiative is expected to strengthen the fruit’s market reach and support both exports and domestic distribution during the harvest season.
