Srinagar-Jammu Highway reopens for heavy vehicles

Srinagar, Sep 17: After remaining closed for three weeks due to heavy rains and flash floods, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44) was reopened on Wednesday for heavy vehicles, bringing much-needed relief to fruit growers and transporters.
Hundreds of trucks carrying fresh fruit, which had been stranded at various points along the highway and in mandis, were finally allowed to move towards markets across the country. The 270 km-long arterial road had earlier been restored for light motor vehicles but remained shut for heavy traffic due to extensive damage.
“Our priority is to clear all stranded trucks carrying perishable fruit. We are working round the clock to ensure maximum movement,” said Ravindra Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic-Rural). He urged drivers to strictly follow traffic advisories and avoid overtaking, warning that violations could cause accidents and fresh blockades.
The closure of the highway had triggered concern among fruit growers, who feared that delays could spoil their produce and affect the valley’s economy. Authorities had temporarily diverted some consignments through Mughal Road, but the difficult terrain made it unsuitable for large trucks.
With the highway now reopened, growers and traders are hopeful that the season’s harvest will reach major markets without further disruption.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the affected stretch of NH-44 at Thard Udhampur to take stock of the ongoing restoration works.
He was accompanied by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs; Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA Chenani; Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur; Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Udhampur; Adil Hamid, SSP Traffic; besides senior officers and members of the local public.
During the visit, R.S. Yadav, Regional Officer J&K NHAI, briefed the Chief Minister about the progress of works including widening, metalling, and restoration of the second tube of NH-44.
He also apprised him of the current single-lane traffic arrangements in place to manage vehicular movement.
The Chief Minister directed the NHAI authorities to expedite the restoration process to ease the movement of commuters and the general public. He instructed the executing agencies to mobilize additional men and machinery to ensure timely completion, underlining that safe and smooth road connectivity is the top priority of the Government.
Later, the Chief Minister interacted with local residents at Thard, patiently listening to their grievances.
He assured them that the Government is making every possible effort to fully restore NH-44 at the earliest and provide necessary relief to both commuters and the public.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo also chaired a high-level meeting to review restoration works, assess supply chain management, and ensure the smooth movement of essential commodities along this highway.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD); Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA); Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Secretary, Transport; IG Traffic; Deputy Commissioners; and senior representatives from the Army, Beacon, and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary sought a detailed appraisal of the current status of NH-44. The Divisional Commissioner informed him about partial restoration of traffic on a single-lane stretch that was severely damaged by flash floods, as well as the ongoing restoration work and the efforts made by them to facilitate vehicular movement through the Mughal Road as an alternative route.
Emphasizing the need to streamline traffic managementwothe Chief Secretary directed that on September 18, only Jammu-bound vehicles be allowed to ply on NH-44, ensuring clearance of all trucks stranded enroute. On the following day, traffic would be exclusively facilitated for Srinagar-bound vehicles to enable smooth movement. He further instructed that stoppages along vulnerable stretches be strictly avoided to prevent traffic jams.
The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of expediting restoration works to restore double-lane traffic at the earliest. He directed divisional administrations to closely monitor the repair works and share real-time updates with his office.
He also called for augmenting men and machinery along both NH-44 and Mughal Road, with adequate arrangements such as cranes and service providers to assist vehicles in case of emergencies.
Highlighting the critical nature of perishable goods during the harvest season, he instructed authorities to prioritize movement of fruit-laden trucks, along with petroleum and LPG tankers, to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in the Valley.
Reviewing the stock position, the Chief Secretary was informed by the Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA, Saurabh Bhagat that food grain and petroleum supplies in Kashmir were comfortable, with additional consignments being regularly transported since the partial reopening of the highway. Deputy Commissioners also apprised him of the availability of essential commodities and services in their respective districts.
The Chief Secretary reiterated that the economic interests of fruit growers and traders must be fully protected, and directed field officers to provide all necessary support for hassle-free transportation of produce.
Reiterating the urgency of restoration, the Chief Secretary impressed upon the NHAI to mobilize all available resources and ensure early completion of repair works. He emphasized that restoring NH-44 to full capacity remains the topmost priority, given its pivotal role as the lifeline connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.