New Delhi/Srinagar, Sept 16 (UNI) Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari today chaired a review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the status of NH-44 via video conference.
In a post on X, Nitin Gadkari emphasised the commitment to restoring NH-44 to its full capacity at the earliest, prioritising safety and convenience for all road users.
“Chaired a review meeting on the status of NH-44 with Chief Minister of J&K, Shri @OmarAbdullah Ji, and senior officers of the UT Administration in Delhi today,” Gadkari said.
Gadkari said that despite continuous rain and landslide, the National Highways Authority of india (NHAI) have been working to keep the highway operational.
“Despite relentless rains and a major hill slide, NHAI teams are working tirelessly to keep this key highway operational. A 2-lane temporary diversion has been built, and traffic movement has resumed. Over a dozen excavators and 50 earthmovers are deployed round the clock for clearing and repairs,” Gadkari said.
He added, “We are determined to restore this vital national highway to full strength at the earliest, ensuring safety and convenience for all road users”.
Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister on X said, “Attended a video conference with @nitin_gadkari ji. Officials of @MORTHIndia & @nhidcl were present along with officials of the J&K government. The condition of NH 44 was discussed in considerable detail”.
“The union Minister issued some instructions that are aimed at addressing the current crisis & we expect to see those implemented immediately so that regular movement of trucks is no longer hindered,” Omar Abdullah said.
The meeting discussed immediate measures needed to restore the highway for urgent movement of fruit-laden trucks and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to minimizing hardships faced by commuters and farmers due to the nearly three-week-long disruption.
”On the initiative of the Chief Minister, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari convened a meeting today to review the restoration of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway. The meeting deliberated on immediate steps required to fully restore NH-44 for the urgent movement of fruit-laden trucks and uninterrupted supply of essentials. The Chief Minister reiterated Government’s resolve to minimise hardships to commuters and farmers,” the office of J&K Chief Minister said on X.
Fruit growers have been facing mounting frustration, with their produce stranded for nearly three weeks due to the highway closure. The estimated loss to the fruit industry ranges between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 1,200 crore.
