The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has officially reopened for heavy vehicles after a challenging three-week closure, bringing a collective sigh of relief to countless fruit growers and transporters. This vital 270 km-long artery, also known as NH44, had been shut down for heavier traffic following last month’s relentless rains and flash floods, which caused significant damage and disrupted daily life.
Although light motor vehicles were allowed to use the highway last week, the prolonged closure for larger trucks had left hundreds of fruit-laden vehicles from Kashmir stranded. This situation had sparked serious concerns among fruit growers about their valuable harvest reaching essential markets across the country, potentially leading to substantial economic losses for the region.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure the swift passage of these fruit-laden vehicles,” stated Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic-rural) Ravindra Singh. He further emphasized that all stranded vehicles along the highway, as well as those patiently waiting at various fruit mandis, would be cleared on a priority basis to minimize further delays.
Singh also issued a stern advisory to drivers, urging them to strictly adhere to traffic regulations concerning the movement of heavy vehicles and to avoid reckless overtaking. He highlighted that traffic violations not only increase the risk of dangerous accidents but could also lead to renewed road blockades, exacerbating the already difficult situation.
The highway’s extensive damages from the incessant rains and flash floods last month were the primary reason for the arterial road’s prolonged closure. While authorities attempted to utilize the alternative Mughal Road for transporting fruit out of the valley, its challenging terrain proved to be largely unfeasible for operating heavy vehicles, making the full reopening of NH44 absolutely critical for the region’s economy and its vital fruit industry.
This restoration of heavy vehicle movement marks a crucial step in normalizing transport and mitigating further financial strain for Kashmir’s fruit sector, allowing produce to finally move freely towards its destinations.