Srinagar-Jammu Highway Reopens, Saving Kashmir’s Fruit Trade
Heavy vehicles roll again, clearing stranded fruit trucks.
After three weeks of closure due to heavy rains and flash floods, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44) reopened for heavy vehicles on Wednesday, bringing relief to Kashmir’s fruit growers and traders. The 270-km arterial road, a lifeline for the region’s economy, is now facilitating the movement of hundreds of fruit-laden trucks stranded for days, ensuring fresh produce reaches markets across India.
The highway, closed last month after sustaining severe damage from incessant rainfall and flash floods, was partially reopened last week for light motor vehicles. However, heavy vehicles, critical for transporting Kashmir’s renowned apples, stone fruits, and other perishables, remained barred until now. “Our priority is to clear the maximum number of stranded vehicles, especially those loaded with fruits,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic-rural) Ravindra Singh. He emphasized that vehicles waiting at fruit mandis and along the highway would be prioritized.
Singh urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic advisories, warning that violations like overtaking could lead to accidents and road blockages. “Discipline is crucial to prevent further disruptions on this vital route,” he told reporters. The highway’s closure had sparked fears among fruit growers that their harvests, a significant contributor to the region’s economy, might rot before reaching terminal markets in Delhi, Mumbai, and beyond.
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As an interim measure, authorities had diverted fruit trucks via the Mughal Road, but its rugged terrain proved unsuitable for heavy vehicles, causing delays and economic strain. The reopening of NH44 is a game-changer, restoring a critical supply chain and alleviating the distress of farmers who rely heavily on timely deliveries.
Efforts to repair the highway involved extensive coordination between local authorities and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which worked tirelessly to restore damaged sections. With the road now fully operational, the focus is on ensuring smooth traffic flow and preventing future disruptions, especially as the peak fruit season continues. This development not only saves Kashmir’s harvest but also reinforces the resilience of its people and economy in the face of natural challenges.
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