Atal Dulloo Reviews Transportation Measures for Kashmir Fruit Consignments

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting today to discuss the transportation of fruit consignments from the Kashmir Valley to markets outside the Union Territory. The meeting took place in Srinagar and saw active participation from key officials.

Attending the meeting were the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Secretary of the Transport Department, Inspector General of Traffic, Transport Commissioner, and Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, among others. This gathering aimed to enhance the operational efficiency of transporting perishable goods.

Chief Secretary Dulloo evaluated the current state of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). He stressed the importance of restoring it to full operational capacity to facilitate the movement of fruit-laden trucks and to ensure essential supplies reach the region.

During discussions, Dulloo directed that no fruit truck should remain stranded on the highway. He urged concerned departments to guarantee safe and priority passage for these vehicles, highlighting the significance of timely delivery for the fruit harvest.

In response to the status of vehicles stranded on both sides of NH-44, the Chief Secretary ordered immediate clearance of these vehicles to alleviate any potential bottlenecks. Ensuring smooth operations remains a critical focus for government officials.

Dulloo also addressed long-distance transportation alternatives. He advised the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to explore the feasibility of introducing rail freight services for transporting horticultural produce to major Indian markets such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. This discussion included coordinating with fruit growers and the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, to further assess this potential initiative.

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir reported that sufficient transportation facilities currently exist at reasonable rates. He confirmed that fruit growers are not experiencing major logistical challenges, suggesting the current framework is effective.

Additionally, Avny Lavasa, the Secretary of the Transport Department, noted that the J&K SRTC fleet would be deployed in case of any shortage of transport vehicles. This measure aims to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit produce, thus supporting local growers.

Reinforcing the state government’s commitment, Chief Secretary Dulloo stated that the administration remains dedicated to facilitating seamless transportation of horticultural produce. This sector forms a key pillar of Kashmir’s economy, emphasizing its importance in the region’s overall development.

Dulloo urged all departments to maintain close coordination and adopt proactive measures throughout the ongoing harvest season. Such strategic planning is vital for ensuring the smooth movement of fruit consignments, crucial for the livelihoods of many in the Valley.