Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the transportation and smooth movement of fruit consignments from the Kashmir Valley to markets outside the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary, Transport Department, Inspector General of Traffic, Transport Commissioner, Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Managing Director, HPMC, Regional Officer, NHAI, and other concerned officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took detailed stock of the current status of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and its restoration to full operational capacity. He enquired about the movement of fruit-laden trucks from the Valley and the unhindered passage of essential commodities entering Kashmir from outside.
He directed that no fruit truck should remain stranded on the highway and instructed concerned departments to ensure safe and priority passage for these vehicles. He also reviewed the situation regarding vehicles stranded on both sides of NH-44 and issued directions for their immediate clearance.
Reviewing long-distance transportation alternatives, the Chief Secretary advised the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to explore the feasibility of introducing rail freight services for transporting horticultural produce to major markets like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. He emphasized consultation with fruit growers and coordination with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, to examine this option.
The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, informed the Chief Secretary that adequate transportation facilities are available at reasonable rates and that fruit growers are not facing major logistical hurdles.
Secretary, Transport Department, Avny Lavasa, added that in case of any shortage of transport vehicles, the J&K SRTC fleet will be deployed to ensure smooth evacuation of fruit produce from the Valley to outside markets, extending full support to fruit growers.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary said the administration is fully dedicated to ensuring seamless transportation of horticultural produce, which constitutes a key pillar of Kashmir’s economy. He directed all departments to maintain close coordination and adopt proactive measures to ensure the smooth movement of fruit consignments throughout the ongoing harvest season.
