Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap chaired the Apple Season 2026 Shimla Review Meeting through a virtual platform. The meeting focused on ensuring the smooth, efficient, and trouble-free management of the apple season 2026 across the district.
Key Focus on Transport and Logistics
During the Apple Season 2026 Shimla Review Meeting, officials discussed apple transportation, traffic management, freight rate fixation, labor availability, packaging material supply, and control room setup.
Moreover, the Deputy Commissioner instructed all departments to work in close coordination so that apple growers do not face any inconvenience during the season.
Transport Vehicle Planning
Furthermore, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will hold meetings with apple growers, truck operators, and pickup unions to assess the requirement of transport vehicles.
If required, the administration will arrange trucks from outside the district or state. In addition, authorities will ensure the availability of sufficient labor for apple harvesting and transportation.
Freight Rate Fixation System
In addition, SDMs will meet transport unions and farmers to finalize freight charges. A special committee will include SDM, DSP, PWD Executive Engineer (XEN), and HRTC representatives.
Importantly, the committee will determine rates based on weight (kg/ton) instead of box count. Officials will also consider road conditions, diesel prices, and load weight while fixing transport rates.
Moreover, officials will display the finalized freight rates at control rooms and major locations to ensure transparency.
Control Room Setup in Fagu
Meanwhile, the main control room will operate at Fagu under SDM Theog from July 15, 2026. The administration will deploy staff from multiple departments to ensure smooth functioning.
Additionally, authorities will equip the control room with telephone, fax, CCTV systems, and deploy adequate police personnel. Officials will also ensure proper monitoring of apple box movement at key checkpoints.
Driver Identification and Security Measures
Furthermore, all drivers and helpers involved in apple transport will receive identity cards from the Fagu control room. Police personnel will verify driving licenses and identities at checkpoints.
Officials also fixed registration fees for vehicles:
- ₹200 for pickup/four-wheelers
- ₹500 for trucks/six-wheelers
- ₹1000 for trailers and larger vehicles
Traffic Management Plan
In addition, the administration will deploy sufficient police force for traffic regulation. A special route plan will ensure smooth vehicle movement during peak apple season.
Importantly, no truck will be allowed to enter Shimla city. Instead, all vehicles will be diverted through the Dhalli–Mehli bypass.
Moreover, trailer vehicles will not be allowed to move between Theog and Shimla from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
Authorities will route empty pickups heading towards Theog via Bekhalti. In addition, they will allow only transport vehicles to park for a limited time between Dhalli and Fagu.
Market Regulation and Control
Furthermore, officials will bring only sample apple boxes to Bhattakufer Mandi for price fixation. They will send loaded vehicles directly to commission agents’ warehouses to reduce congestion.
In addition, police will issue coupons at Chharabra and Koti checkpoints. Moreover, they will not allow any vehicle to enter the mandi area without a valid coupon.
Packaging Material and Supply Chain
Additionally, HPMC and HIMFED were directed to ensure timely availability and pricing of apple cartons and packaging material.
Officials emphasized that quality standards of packaging materials must not be compromised. The MIS system for apple collection centers will also be activated on time.
Apple Production Estimate
Finally, the meeting shared production estimates for the upcoming season. Shimla district is expected to produce around 2,30,989 metric tons of apples in 2026–27. In comparison, the previous year recorded a higher production of 4,40,684 metric tons.
Conclusion
The Apple Season 2026 Shimla Review Meeting outlined a comprehensive action plan covering transport, traffic control, freight regulation, and packaging supply. With coordinated efforts from multiple departments, the administration aims to ensure a smooth and efficient apple season for farmers and stakeholders.
Key Highlights of the news:
- Apple Season 2026 Shimla review meeting chaired by DC Anupam Kashyap
- Transport, freight rates, and traffic plan finalized
- Control room to operate from Fagu with strict monitoring
- Vehicle registration, ID cards, and coupon system introduced
- Estimated apple production for 2026–27 shared
