New Delhi, Aug 8: Baramulla Member of Parliament, Engineer Rashid, on Friday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and sought the creation of a dedicated Green Corridor on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) to ensure the uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks during the harvesting season.
According to a statement issued by Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, the MP raised several infrastructure-related issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir during the meeting held in the Union Minister’s Parliament office.
Engineer Rashid said the horticulture sector is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and provides livelihood to nearly seven lakh families. He expressed concern over frequent traffic restrictions on NH-44, particularly around Qazigund and Banihal, saying delays in transportation are causing significant losses to fruit growers as their produce is highly perishable.
He urged the Union Minister to facilitate a dedicated corridor for fruit trucks and put in place a coordination mechanism involving the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police, Civil Administration and the Horticulture Department to ensure smooth traffic movement during the harvesting season.
The Baramulla MP also raised the issue of the proposed alignment of NH-701A (Magam–Beerwah–Arizal–Doodhpathri Highway). He requested that the existing Border Roads Organisation (BRO) route be upgraded instead of constructing a new bypass, stating that it would require less land acquisition, reduce project costs and help protect agricultural land.
In addition, Engineer Rashid appealed for the early completion of the eight-kilometre Paharthan–Kralnewah Crossing road, saying the project is essential to meet the long-pending transport needs of local residents.
The AIP spokesperson said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured the MP that the ministry would examine the demands sympathetically. The party reiterated its commitment to highlighting public welfare issues through democratic means.
