Dulloo directs for seamless transportation of Valley fruits, explores rail freight link to metro markets
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review transportation arrangements and ensure the smooth movement of fruit consignments from the Valley to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary Transport Department, IG Traffic, Transport Commissioner, Secretary in Agriculture Production Department, MD HPMC, Regional Officer NHAI, and other senior officers.
Taking stock of the current status of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and its restoration to full operational capacity, the Chief Secretary reviewed the movement of fruit-laden trucks and the unhindered passage of essential commodities towards Srinagar.
He directed that no fruit-laden truck should remain stranded on the highway and instructed concerned departments to ensure their safe and priority passage. He also called for timely clearance of stranded vehicles on both sides of NH-44.
Reviewing long-distance transport options, Dulloo asked the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to explore the introduction of rail freight services for horticultural produce to major metro markets such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. He stressed engaging with fruit growers and coordinating with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, to assess the feasibility of the initiative.
The Divisional Commissioner informed that adequate transport facilities are available at reasonable rates and that fruit growers are not facing major logistical challenges.
Secretary Transport Department Avny Lavasa stated that in case of any shortage of vehicles, J&K SRTC trucks would be deployed to facilitate the smooth evacuation of fruit from the Valley, ensuring full support to the growers.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the horticulture sector, Dulloo emphasized maintaining close coordination and taking proactive measures to ensure seamless transportation of fruits throughout the ongoing season — a key driver of the Valley’s economy.
