SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review restoration work, assess supply chain management, and ensure smooth movement of essential commodities along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), following recent disruptions caused by adverse weather.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, PWD; Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA); Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir; Secretary, Transport; IG Traffic; Deputy Commissioners; and senior representatives from the Army, Beacon, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
During the review, the Chief Secretary sought a detailed update on NH-44. The Divisional Commissioner reported partial restoration of traffic on a single-lane stretch damaged by flash floods, ongoing repair work, and facilitation of vehicular movement via the Mughal Road as an alternative route.
Emphasizing streamlined traffic management, the Chief Secretary directed that on September 18, only Jammu-bound vehicles be allowed on NH-44 to clear stranded trucks, while September 19 will be reserved exclusively for Srinagar-bound traffic. He stressed that stoppages along vulnerable stretches must be avoided to prevent congestion.
He called for expediting restoration works to restore double-lane traffic at the earliest and instructed divisional administrations to monitor progress closely, providing real-time updates. Additional men and machinery, including cranes and service providers, were to be deployed along NH-44 and Mughal Road to assist vehicles in emergencies.
Highlighting the importance of perishable goods during the harvest season, the Chief Secretary directed prioritization of fruit-laden trucks, petroleum, and LPG tankers to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials.
On reviewing stock levels, Commissioner Secretary FCS&CA Saurabh Bhagat informed that food grain and petroleum supplies in Kashmir were adequate, with additional consignments being regularly transported since the partial reopening of the highway. Deputy Commissioners also confirmed the availability of essential commodities in their districts.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the need to protect the economic interests of fruit growers and traders, instructing field officers to provide all necessary support for smooth transportation of produce. He stressed that restoring NH-44 to full capacity remains the topmost priority, given its critical role as the lifeline connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, and urged NHAI to mobilize all resources to complete repair work at the earliest.
