Srinagar: Inspector General of Police (Traffic) M. Suleman Choudhary held a crucial meeting on Monday with the management of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union (KVFG Union) led by its chairman, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, to address the ongoing crisis caused by the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44).
During the meeting, the KVFG Union highlighted the plight of fruit growers and dealers, reporting that hundreds of fruit-laden trucks carrying Babogosha, Galamast Red Ghala, and other early varieties have been stranded for days due to highway closures triggered by inclement weather. The union estimated losses of no less than ₹500–700 crore, warning that losses continue to mount as the apple crop is naturally shedding from orchards despite advisory not to harvest.
Basheer acknowledged the government’s decision to permit six-tyre trucks via the Mughal Road but said the arrangement was inadequate, since perishable fruits are traditionally transported in 10, 12, or 14-tyre trucks to ensure smooth movement to markets outside the Valley. He added that freight charges have spiked to nearly 300 times the normal rate, compounding the financial strain on fruit growers.
Responding to these concerns, IGP Traffic Choudhary explained that the Mughal Road is currently unsuitable for heavy 10-tyre trucks given its condition, though efforts are underway to expedite the clearance and restoration of NH-44. He assured the delegation that the Traffic Department is working round-the-clock, in coordination with SSP Traffic National Highway, to reopen the road at the earliest.
“If the rains stop, there is every possibility of opening the highway within a day. Once it is restored, stranded fruit-laden trucks will be given top priority for movement towards their destinations,” the IGP assured.
The KVFG Union welcomed the assurance and expressed hope that immediate measures would be taken to safeguard the Valley’s fruit industry, a key pillar of Kashmir’s economy. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides committing to maintain coordination in managing the crisis.
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