Srinagar, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has assured him of concrete measures within the next 24 hours to address the ongoing crisis on NH-44, the key highway linking Kashmir with the rest of the country.
In a post on X, Omar Abdullah wrote, “Just spoke to Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways of India Nitin Gadkari Sb regarding the situation along NH-44 and the lack of connectivity with the rest of the country along this vital link. The frustration of fruit growers is understandable. They have been very patient for the first few days but watching their hard work rot.”
The CM further noted that the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has so far been unable to stabilise the highway, adding that the patience of growers and commuters has “worn thin” and their concerns are justified.
He assured that the Centre has promised urgent intervention. “Some concrete steps will be taken within the next 24 hours to address this problem, but I will wait for that to happen before I say any more about the proposed plan of action,” Omar added.
The highway disruption has sparked outrage among fruit growers, who depend heavily on smooth transportation of produce outside the Valley. The coming measures are expected to ease their mounting losses.