SEPT 16: The lifeline of Kashmir’s economy, the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH44), continues to remain in a state of chaos. The mismanagement of traffic and the bleak, half-hearted efforts from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have led to frequent halts, causing untold suffering to commuters and traders alike.
What is most alarming is the devastating impact on the apple industry – the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. With trucks stranded for days together, perishable produce is rotting before it even reaches the markets. This breakdown has not only led to massive financial losses for growers and traders but has also crippled the confidence of an entire sector that supports lakhs of families across the Valley.
The restoration work, which should have been carried out on a war footing, is moving at a painfully slow pace. This lack of urgency is deepening the crisis and adding to the public misery. The people of Kashmir, especially our hardworking fruit growers, deserve better.
I strongly urge the concerned authorities, particularly NHAI, to rise above bureaucratic complacency and immediately put in place a concrete action plan to restore normal traffic movement on NH44. The economy of Kashmir cannot be held hostage to inefficiency and neglect any longer.
