Over 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fresh fruit have been transported from Kashmir to markets across the country in just the last 10 days, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner, Anshul Garg, said that on average, 1,500–2,000 trucks loaded with fresh fruit and other goods are dispatched daily via the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and the Mughal Road, following an alternate-day traffic pattern.
“In the last 10 days, 1.37 lakh metric tonnes of fruit have been transported through the national highway, Mughal Road, and the newly launched parcel train service,” Garg said. He added that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), devised by the Chief Secretary in coordination with district administrations, BRO, traffic police, and highway authorities, has streamlined movement of perishable produce and essential supplies.
Explaining the traffic mechanism, Garg noted, “If traffic from Srinagar to Jammu is allowed on the national highway on a given day, then the upward movement from Jammu to Srinagar takes place via the Mughal Road, and vice versa. This ensures uninterrupted supply of essentials.”
On the condition of the national highway, which faced frequent closures due to landslides and bad weather, the Divisional Commissioner said restoration work has improved traffic flow significantly. “Earlier, 1,500–2,000 trucks plied daily. Now, around 3,500–4,000 trucks are on the move. Today alone, nearly 2,000 trucks from Qazigund left for Jammu,” he said, adding that 1,800–1,900 trucks also used the Mughal Road on Sunday to expedite fruit transportation.
On essential supplies, the Divisional Commissioner assured the public that there is no shortage of fuel, LPG, food grains, or consumer items. “We have stocks for at least a week and replenishment is continuous. People should not fall for rumours or resort to panic buying,” he said.(KINS)
