Srinagar, September 17, 2025 : The vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44) was reopened for heavy vehicles on Wednesday, after remaining closed for three weeks due to devastating flash floods and heavy rains in the region. This crucial move allows hundreds of fruit-laden trucks, which had been stranded, to resume their journey towards markets across the country.
The 270 km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key artery for trade and passenger traffic in Jammu and Kashmir, was initially reopened last week but only for light motor vehicles. The extended closure severely affected the local economy, especially fruit growers, as perishable goods remained stuck, raising fears of significant crop losses.
“Our priority is to clear the maximum number of stranded vehicles, especially those loaded with perishable fruits,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic-rural) Ravindra Singh during a press briefing. Authorities are focusing on clearing not only the vehicles stranded along the highway but also those waiting at various fruit mandis in the valley.
Police officials urged all drivers to strictly adhere to the traffic advisory issued for heavy vehicles, emphasizing that overtaking along the highway must be avoided. “Traffic violations can lead to accidents and further road blockades,” the SSP warned, underlining the fragile condition of the highway following the natural calamity.
The highway had suffered extensive damage due to the persistent rains and flash floods in August, which forced a long-term shutdown of this arterial route. In the meantime, the Mughal Road was used as an alternative for fruit transportation, but its difficult terrain is unsuitable for regular heavy vehicle traffic and added to logistical challenges.
The restoration of NH44 for heavy vehicles is expected to significantly ease the supply chain of Kashmir’s fruit produce to the rest of India, providing relief to farmers and traders alike.
