Srinagar, July 31: National Conference Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Friday urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Traffic Police to ensure uninterrupted and priority passage for fruit laden trucks on the Jammu, Srinagar National Highway, NH 44, saying repeated traffic disruptions were causing substantial losses to the horticulture sector.

Expressing concern over recurring highway closures and traffic interruptions, the MP said the transportation of perishable horticultural produce must be given top priority to safeguard the interests of growers and traders.

He said delays in the movement of fruit laden vehicles on NH 44 result in significant economic losses because of the perishable nature of the produce and stressed the need for timely transportation, especially during the peak apple marketing season.

Mian Altaf called on the authorities to implement effective traffic management measures to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted movement of fruit loaded trucks along the highway.

His appeal comes amid growing concern among political leaders and members of the horticulture sector over delays in the transportation of apple consignments caused by frequent disruptions on the national highway.