Div Com Kashmir Assures Evacuation of Stranded Fruit-Laden Trucks, Addresses Growers’ Concerns
SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Monday assured that the administration is taking all necessary steps to evacuate stranded fruit-laden trucks through both the National Highway and Mughal Road.
He said valley-bound vehicles carrying essentials like petrol, diesel, and LPG are also being facilitated under a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to meet public requirements.
Garg made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting with representatives of trade bodies and fruit growers’ associations to review the challenges caused by the prolonged closure of the National Highway. He informed that restoration work on the highway is progressing rapidly and regular status updates will be shared with stakeholders.
Growers and traders highlighted heavy losses as harvested apples remain stuck in orchards and trucks. They urged swift action, seeking immediate evacuation of stranded vehicles, one-way traffic on alternate days on NH and Mughal Road, a committee to assess losses, reduced transportation costs, GST exemption on perishables, improved railway connectivity between mandis and markets, and resolution of issues at Azadpur Mandi, Delhi.
Dr. Manoj Singh (IRTS), Additional Member (Marketing & Business Development), Railway Board, briefed stakeholders on the features of the new Parcel Train service and encouraged its use for transporting fruit to Delhi. Stakeholders welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for stronger logistics and policy support to safeguard the horticulture sector.
The meeting was attended by IGP Traffic Kashmir, Director FCS&CA, DCs of Srinagar and Budgam, Director Industries & Commerce, SSP Traffic Rural, senior officials from Horticulture, BRO, NHIDCL, and representatives of trade and growers’ associations.
