SRINAGAR, Sept 23: More than 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fresh fruit have been dispatched from Kashmir to markets across India in the last 10 days, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said on Monday.
He informed that 1,500–2,000 trucks carrying fruits and essentials are being dispatched daily through the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway and Mughal Road on an alternate-day basis.
“In the past 10 days, 1.37 lakh MT of fruits have been transported through the NH-44, Mughal Road, and parcel trains,” Garg said.
Highlighting the newly introduced parcel train service, he said 800–1,000 tonnes of fruit are being transported daily to New Delhi, with loading facilities available at Baramulla and Anantnag.
On traffic management, Garg said a special SOP formulated by the Chief Secretary in coordination with BRO, traffic police, and NHAI ensures smooth passage.
“If NH-44 movement is from Srinagar to Jammu, Mughal Road handles upward movement from Jammu to Srinagar on the same day, and vice versa the next,” he explained.
The Div Com noted that after restoration works, daily vehicular traffic on NH-44 has increased to 3,500–4,000 trucks. On Sunday alone, nearly 1,900 trucks moved via Mughal Road to facilitate fruit transportation.
He assured that there is no shortage of essential supplies like fuel, LPG, and food in the valley:
“Sufficient stocks are available, with a full week’s supply of fuel and food items in reserve. People must not panic or believe in rumours.”
