Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting today to assess measures for the efficient transportation of fruit consignments from the Kashmir Valley to major markets outside the Union Territory. The meeting took place at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, aiming to optimize logistics during the peak harvest season.
In attendance were key officials, including the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary of the Transport Department, Inspector General of Traffic, Transport Commissioner, and representatives from the Agriculture Production Department. The gathering aimed to ensure that vital fruit products reach markets in a timely manner.
During the high-level review, Chief Secretary Dulloo focused on the operational status of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). He sought an update on the movement of fruit-laden trucks from the Valley and emphasized the need for their unhindered passage. With significant delays reported in previous weeks due to road conditions, he stressed the importance of ensuring that no fruit truck remains stranded.
Dulloo instructed all relevant departments to guarantee the safe and priority passage of fruit trucks along the highway. He also ordered immediate action for clearing any vehicles that had become stuck on either side of NH-44.
Recognizing the importance of expanding transportation options, the Chief Secretary urged the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to investigate the possibility of introducing rail freight services. This initiative could facilitate the transport of horticultural produce to major Indian markets such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. He highlighted the need for direct consultation with local fruit growers and coordination with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, to explore this beneficial option.
In response, the Divisional Commissioner assured Dulloo that sufficient transportation facilities are currently in place at reasonable rates. He reported that local fruit growers are not facing major logistical hurdles, fostering optimism in the sector.
Secretary of the Transport Department, Avny Lavasa, stated that if there is a shortage of transport vehicles, the J&K SRTC fleet will mobilize to ensure uninterrupted evacuation of fruit produce. This support aims to fortify the movement of consignments to markets outside the Valley, reiterating the government’s commitment to the embattled horticulture sector.
The Chief Secretary underscored that seamless transportation of horticultural products serves as a critical pillar of Kashmir’s economy. He instructed all concerned departments to maintain close cooperation and adopt proactive measures to ensure the timely movement of fruit consignments throughout the ongoing harvest season. This collaborative effort aims to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure that Kashmir’s rich agricultural heritage thrives.
