SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today conducted an extensive tour of National Highway-44 (NH-44) to review the movement of fruit-laden trucks and assess infrastructure challenges along the route.
At Qazigund, the Minister interacted with truck drivers, traders, and transport officials, stressing the need to prioritize fruit-laden trucks to avoid delays and protect the interests of farmers and traders. He also inspected damaged stretches in Udhampur, including the Tharad–Balli Nallah section, and reviewed the progress of ongoing repair works. DIG Udhampur Sridhar Patil, SSP Udhampur Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Traffic Adil Hamid, and other senior officers briefed him on restoration measures.
Earlier, the Minister chaired a review meeting at the DC Office Ramban with DDC Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Shan, MLAs Sajjad Shaheen, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, and Abdul Majeed Bhat, besides Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, SSP Arun Gupta, and senior officers. The Deputy Commissioner apprised him of steps taken to decongest traffic, especially between Banihal and Nashri, and of arrangements made for meals and support services for stranded drivers and passengers.
Minister Dar directed the DC and SSP to personally oversee traffic management and ensure unhindered movement of fruit-laden trucks, reaffirming the government’s resolve to minimize losses to the farming community.
