Srinagar, Sept 22: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, along with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Traffic Kashmir Division, M. Suleman Choudhary, on Monday briefed the media on the streamlined traffic movement along National Highway and Mughal Road, the transportation of fresh fruits from the Valley, and the availability of essential supplies.
Addressing the press, the Div Com said that over 1.37 lakh metric tons of fresh fruit have been transported from the Valley in the past 10 days under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) framed by the Chief Secretary. The dispatches, he said, were made possible through coordinated efforts by district administrations, Traffic Police, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and other relevant agencies.
“Every day, between 1,500–2,000 vehicles, including fruit-laden trucks and empty tankers, are being systematically dispatched towards Jammu on alternate days via National Highway and Mughal Road. This rotation ensures smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow,” Garg said.
The Div Com further informed that traffic movement has been expedited due to effective coordination, raising the daily vehicle count from the earlier 1,500–2,000 to 4,000–4,500 vehicles per day. He added that around 2,000 fruit trucks were dispatched from Qazigund towards Jammu on Sunday alone, while 1,800–1,900 trucks had already reached Jammu via Mughal Road on Saturday.
Highlighting new measures, Garg said the recently inaugurated Parcel Train Service by the Lieutenant Governor has eased fruit transportation, with 800–1,000 tons of produce reaching Delhi daily. He added that proposals for extending train loading facilities to Baramulla and Anantnag are under active consideration to further benefit fruit growers.
Dispelling rumors of shortages, the Div Com assured that essential supplies, including fuel and LPG, are available in sufficient quantities. “There is no need for panic buying. Stocks are regularly replenished, and the FCS&CA department is ensuring fair distribution at fuel pumps,” he said.
He emphasized that food supplies are also being maintained without disruption, and buffer stocks are being augmented daily with the improvement in weather conditions.
“The Chief Secretary is personally reviewing the situation every day to ensure the smooth implementation of the one-way traffic system and has directed all agencies to maintain close coordination,” Garg added.
The officials appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities and not fall prey to misinformation regarding shortages.
