SRINAGAR, Sep 17: The Jammu-Srinagar national highway (NH44) was reopened for heavy vehicles on Wednesday after a three-week closure caused by heavy rains and flash floods, allowing hundreds of fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir to move towards markets across the country.
The 270-km arterial road, shut last month due to extensive damage, had partially reopened for light motor vehicles last week. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic-Rural) Ravindra Singh said clearing stranded fruit trucks was the top priority.
“All stranded vehicles along the highway and those at fruit mandis will be cleared on priority,” Singh said, urging drivers to follow advisories and avoid overtaking to prevent accidents and fresh blockades.
The prolonged closure had raised concerns among fruit growers over losses, as the Mughal Road—used as an alternative route—proved unsuitable for heavy vehicle movement.
Authorities said the reopening is expected to ease pressure on Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which relies heavily on the highway for transporting produce to terminal markets across India. (Agencies)
