National Highway disruptions to ease next week: Chief Secy

Srinagar, Sep 20: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday assured that the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, battered by incessant rains, is likely to be fully restored by next week if weather conditions remain favourable.
The Chief Secretary said that the administration, along with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), traffic police and divisional officials, is working round the clock to reopen all tubes of the vital road link.
“The rainfall was generally more than usual, which forced the shutdown of the highway. The National Highway was being reopened, but incessant rains delayed the process. Despite this, teams from NHAI, traffic police and divisional administration are continuously on the ground,” Dulloo said while briefing the media in Baramulla.
He said the government has maintained adequate stocks of essential commodities to avoid panic. “Upon resumption of traffic, we first allowed essential trucks carrying petrol, diesel and other supplies from the Jammu side. At present, we have fuel stocks sufficient for 3–4 days,” he informed.
The Chief Secretary said that only one-way traffic is being allowed for now to prevent confusion and chaos. “From tomorrow, trucks will also be allowed to move towards Jammu from this side to protect the interests of growers,” he said.
“Upon favourable weather conditions, two or even all four tubes of the highway will be reopened. Once the weather improves, everything will get back on track,” he assured.
The Chief Secretary added that the Mughal Road, considered an alternative lifeline, had been thrown open but suffered damage due to landslides.
He expressed confidence that if the rains subside, the situation along the National Highway will normalise within the coming week, easing the movement of both essential commodities and fruit trucks critical to Kashmir’s economy. (KNO)