Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Reopens to Heavy Vehicles After 3 Week Closure
Resumption clears stranded fruit-laden trucks, restoring vital transport link between Kashmir and national markets.
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44) reopened for heavy vehicles on Wednesday after a three-week closure, allowing hundreds of fruit laden trucks to resume their journey across the country.
The highway had been closed due to heavy rains and flash floods, which caused extensive damage to the 270 km-long arterial road, leaving fruit trucks stranded and threatening timely delivery to markets. Last week, the highway had reopened only for light vehicles.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic-Rural) Ravindra Singh said, “Our aim is to clear the maximum number of stranded vehicles, especially those loaded with fruits. All vehicles along the highway and waiting at fruit mandis will be cleared on a priority basis.”
Authorities have advised drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, avoid overtaking, and exercise caution to prevent accidents that could lead to further road blockages.
During the closure, the Mughal Road was used as an alternate route to transport fruits, but its difficult terrain made it unsuitable for heavy vehicles. The reopening of NH44 is expected to provide significant relief to fruit growers and restore smooth movement of goods and commuters.
