How long? Truck drivers stranded on Jammu-Srinagar highway plead for help 

Srinagar: Scores of truck drivers transporting goods, including Kashmiri apples and a variety of imports, have been left stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy snowfall on December 27 and 28.

As the risd remained closed for trucks till late Saturday evening, the drivers who spoke to Ziraat Times said they find themselves trapped in frigid conditions, with dwindling food supplies and no clear resolution in sight.

The drivers, many of whom are transporting perishable items, have made fervent appeals to the Jammu & Kashmir government and traffic police to expedite the clearing of the highway and allow them to reach their destinations.

Speaking to Ziraat Times Saturday evening, they expressed frustration over the recurring disruptions despite infrastructure developments, including the Navyug Tunnel and modern communication systems.

The heavy snowfall has brought heavy vehicular movement to a grinding halt since Friday along the vital highway, the lifeline connecting Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country. While snowfall on both sides of the Navyug tunnel is expected during winter months, the stranded truckers emphasized the lack of preparedness in managing the aftermath.

“It’s freezing out here, and we are running low on food and supplies,” said Pradeep Kumar, a truck driver carrying a load of apples. “These are perishable goods. Delays not only hurt us but also the farmers and traders who rely on timely deliveries. Why hasn’t the government ensured smoother movement despite the new infrastructure?”

“Drivers have huddled in their trucks, braving sub-zero temperatures, with many unable to access essential amenities. We can neither go ahead nor go back home”, Manzoor Ahmed another trucker from  Anantnag said.

Local traders and farmer associations have echoed their concerns, pointing to the potential loss of goods if the trucks remain immobilized for long.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has historically been prone to closures during harsh winters, but recent investments in infrastructure were expected to mitigate these challenges. The Navyug Tunnel, operational since 2020, was meant to ensure uninterrupted movement even in adverse weather conditions.

However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Stranded drivers and logistics experts have questioned what has caused the jam in the first place.

“With modern tools like weather monitoring and real-time traffic management, why are we still facing such situations?” asked Navjot Singh, a trader from Jammu.

“What’s the point of these investments if the system cannot keep the highway open during emergencies?”, he asked.

Some drivers reported that a combination of snow-covered roads and landslides had blocked the highway. However, they also pointed to inefficiencies in traffic regulation, suggesting that better coordination among traffic police, civil administration, and snow-clearing teams could have prevented the situation from escalating.

The appeals from the truckers come at a time when J&K authorities face mounting criticism for the lack of a proactive response. Many drivers argued that no visible relief efforts had been initiated, leaving them to fend for themselves in extreme conditions.

Stakeholders in Kashmir’s fruit industry have noted that such delays not only disrupt the supply chain but also tarnish the region’s reputation among buyers.

“This is not just about snow; it’s about accountability,” said a representative of Sopore Fruit Mandi Association. “Our apples are being transported to markets across the country. If they arrive late or in bad condition, it will affect the livelihoods of countless families”, he said.