Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday spoke to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on restoration of Srinagar-Jammu national highway and asked the central government to hand over the highway to J&K government if centre cannot manage it.
“Just spoke to Union Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari Sb regarding the situation along NH 44 & the lack of connectivity with the rest of the country along this vital link. The frustration of fruit growers is understandable. They have been very patient for the first few days but watching their hard work rot because @nhidcl is unable to stabilise the highway, their patience has worn thin & that is totally understandable. Some concrete steps will be taken within the next 24 hours to address this problem but I will wait for that to happen before I say any more about the proposed plan of action,” Omar posted on X.
The 270 km-long Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44) was closed for nine consecutive days following heavy rainfall last month. It was reopened last week, but only for light motor vehicles.
Due to the closure of the highway for trucks and other heavy vehicles, fruit farmers are not able to transport their goods, resulting in losses.
“The highway is not with me, it is with the Government of India. Had it been with us, I would have had it opened (for heavy motor vehicles) by now. If they (Centre) cannot manage it, they should give it to us,” Omar told reporters.
He said he was told several times that the highway would be restored soon, but nothing has happened.
The CM said he would ask the railway minister to increase the frequency of the cargo parcel trains.
“We are thankful for the one cargo parcel train that was ceremonially flagged off today. But one train is not enough. I will request the Union railway minister to increase the frequency of this service till the highway becomes stable,” he said.