Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting focused on the transportation of fruit consignments from the Kashmir Valley to markets outside the Union Territory. Attendees included the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the Inspector General of Traffic, and other senior officials.
The primary objective of the meeting was to evaluate the current status of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and its restoration to full operational capacity. Atal Dulloo asked about the movement of fruit-laden trucks and the unhindered passage of essential commodities entering Kashmir from outside.
Dulloo directed that no fruit truck should remain stranded on the highway. He emphasized the need for safe and priority passage for these vehicles while reviewing the situation concerning vehicles stranded on both sides of NH-44. He issued directions for their immediate clearance.
The Chief Secretary also explored long-distance transportation alternatives and advised the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to investigate the introduction of rail freight services for transporting horticultural produce to major markets such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. He urged consultation with fruit growers and collaboration with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, to assess the feasibility of this initiative.
The Divisional Commissioner informed the Chief Secretary that adequate transportation facilities exist at reasonable rates, asserting that fruit growers are not facing major logistical hurdles. In terms of vehicle shortages, Secretary of the Transport Department, Avny Lavasa, confirmed that the J&K SRTC fleet will be deployed to ensure the smooth evacuation of fruit produce from the Valley to markets outside.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Chief Secretary Dulloo stated that the administration is dedicated to ensuring seamless transportation of horticultural produce, emphasizing its significance to Kashmir’s economy. He directed all relevant departments to maintain coordination and adopt proactive measures to ensure the smooth movement of fruit consignments throughout the ongoing harvest season.
