CM Omar Abdullah says measures underway to maintain traffic flow on National Highway despite bad weather

“Vehicles loaded with fruits and petrol are being allowed to ply on a priority basis.”

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his visit to various locations of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban said that there is currently no alternative to the highway connecting Jammu and Kashmir with other parts of the country. He said that the administration and the concerned departments are continuously taking steps to maintain the traffic flow on the highway despite the bad weather.
He reviewed the rehabilitation and repair works of the road affected by the recent heavy rains.
The CM said that he had also traveled on the Rajouri-Poonch route a day ago and the condition of the road there is even worse than the national highway. He said, “I traveled on the Rajouri-Poonch route the day before yesterday, especially between Pir Ki Gali and Baflayaz. The condition of this section is much worse than here.”
The Chief Minister said that only a limited part of the national highway has been affected by the recent rains, however, the concerned agencies are working to restore and repair the road so that despite the bad weather conditions, traffic movement is not affected for long.
He said that the government is also fully aware of the importance of the current fruit season, as it is important for farmers and orchard owners to transport fruits to various markets of the country on time to avoid spoilage of the produce. “Trucks and other vehicles loaded with fruit are being allowed to pass on a priority basis. Apart from this, priority is also being given to vehicles loaded with petroleum products coming from Jammu so that there is no shortage of essential fuel and other essential commodities in the Kashmir Valley,” he said.
He further stated that the government’s aim in the current situation is to maintain the supply chain of essential commodities, protect the fruit industry from damage and ensure unhindered movement of traffic on the highway.
“The government is constantly monitoring the situation and the concerned authorities have been directed to expedite the repair and restoration works so that the vital land connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir is maintained,” the Chief Minister said.

(Straight Talk Communications)