Kashmir's fruit growers appeal for govt support as highway disruptions stall transportation

Fruit growers in Kashmir have appealed to the government for urgent intervention to ensure the timely transportation of their produce to markets across the country, as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) continues to face disruptions due to heavy rains.

Although traffic was partially restored on Monday, the route was again blocked on Tuesday following renewed rainfall, stranding hundreds of fruit-laden trucks along the highway. Growers say this has jeopardized the timely delivery of perishable produce such as pears and early-season apples.

According to Bashir Ahmed, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, while 400–500 trucks managed to move towards their destinations after the brief highway reopening, around 700–800 trucks remain stranded. “Earlier, nearly 1,200 trucks were stuck mid-way between the Valley and Jammu. Monday offered slight relief, but the rains have again halted movement,” Ahmed said.

He expressed concern over the delay, particularly for perishable varieties and fruit consignments bound for export markets such as Bangladesh via Kolkata. “Many of these fruits have a limited shelf life. If they don’t reach their destination on time, it could result in heavy losses running into crores,” he said.

Ahmed added that the highway closure has compounded problems for growers already struggling with falling prices this season. “We were already under pressure. The current situation could turn into a complete disaster for us,” he warned.

While the Mughal Road has been opened for fruit transportation, growers say the alternative route isn’t viable for large-scale operations. “Only six-tyre trucks are allowed on Mughal Road, which carry limited loads,” Ahmed explained. “About 90% of our produce is transported in heavy trucks with 10 to 16 tyres. We request the government to allow at least 10-tyre trucks on the Mughal Road round-the-clock.”

He further explained that while six-tyre trucks can reach Delhi, they cannot be used for longer-distance transport. “For deliveries beyond Delhi, especially to southern and eastern India, the movement of heavy-duty trucks is essential,” he said.

Political parties in Kashmir have also raised the issue, calling on the central government to act swiftly.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, in a post on X, said, “Fruit growers have been facing severe financial losses every year due to the closure of NH-44. Unfortunately this year the road has once again been closed leaving hundreds of fruit-laden vehicles stranded resulting in inevitable losses”.

She urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a dedicated train service between the Valley and Delhi to support the horticulture sector. “Such a measure would bring much-needed relief to everyone involved in the trade,” she said.

In a separate statement, the Sajad Lone-led J&K Peoples Conference expressed concern over the persistent disruptions. “Transportation of apples is in shambles due to the continuous closure of the Srinagar–Jammu highway. Orchard owners are in deep distress, facing huge losses. We urge the Central government to intervene and expedite rail connectivity for apple transportation,” the party said.

To address the issue, Northern Railways will begin a daily Joint Parcel Product–Railway Cargo Service (JPP–RCS) between Budgam and New Delhi by the end of September. Approved by the Railway Board earlier this month, the service aims to ensure faster and direct transport of Kashmir’s fruit to major markets.

“The railway cargo service will reduce our dependence on the highway, which is often disrupted by weather or congestion. It will be a faster and more reliable means of getting our fruit to Delhi and beyond,” a grower noted.