Asserting that the frequent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway was causing immense losses to them, Valley traders today said the road had become a “graveyard for businesses”.
“The highway has mostly remained shut or open only for one-way traffic this winter. As a result, the traders are suffering losses worth crores. This highway is our lifeline but it has become a graveyard for businesses this winter,” said Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) vice-chairman Aijaz Shahdhar.
He said the highway closure was especially affecting the traders dealing with livestock, fruits and vegetables. “While sheep and chicken die when trucks get stranded on the highway, fruits and vegetables turn stale. On top of that, we receive complaints that truckers carrying goods are unnecessarily stopped at places like Udhampur and made to wait,” said Shahdhar.
He regretted that the successive governments had failed to ensure all-weather connectivity to the Valley.
“For decades now, the status of the national highway has remained the same. In fact, even a minor spell of rain or snow leads to suspension of traffic on the highway these days. The government has not only failed to make the Srinagar-Jammu an all-weather road, but it has also failed to provide us with alternatives. Therefore, the government should take steps on war-footing to ensure all-weather connectivity to Srinagar. Infrastructure at the Srinagar airport, too, requires an upgrade for the operation of night flights….because at times, Kashmir gets cut off through air as well as road,” said Shahdhar. — TNS
