With the season at its peak, the trucks laden with fruits and other perishables begin their critical journey to markets across India. This seasonal flow is not just a commercial movement, but a lifeline of the region’s economy. Therefore, it is a time to acknowledge the urgency that fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir must be prioritized and the Mughal Road must be made available 24/7 for such critical cargo. The Kashmir Valley produces over two million metric tonnes of fruit annually, with apples, cherries, pears and plums being major contributors. These are not commodities that can wait. A delay of even 24 hours in reaching the markets can turn profit into loss, fresh produce into spoilage. With the announcement of cut off timings and also the increasing flow of pilgrims, the Mughal Road, connecting Shopian in south Kashmir to Poonch in Jammu, offers a shorter and viable alternative route for these trucks. At this juncture, there is a need that the perishable-laden trucks must be given priority passage on both the National Highway and Mughal Road, irrespective of routine vehicular restrictions. Moreover, round-the-clock availability of the Mughal Road should be ensured, especially during peak harvest months. This requires better lighting, enhanced security and infrastructure upgrades investments that will more than pay for themselves through reduced losses and increased grower income. This is not just an issue of logistics. It is about supporting the rural economy of Kashmir, which heavily depends on horticulture. The government must act swiftly.
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