Should the Centre Transfer Jammu-Srinagar Highway Maintenance to the UT Government?
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Synopsis
Amid ongoing disruptions on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, J&K CM Omar Abdullah questions the Central government's ability to maintain it. He advocates for the highway's management to be handed over to the UT government, highlighting the dire situation faced by local apple growers and traders due to financial losses.
Key Takeaways
- Omar Abdullah criticizes the Centre for failing to maintain the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
- He suggests transferring maintenance to the UT government.
- The ongoing highway disruptions are causing severe losses for local apple growers.
- Abdullah plans to discuss the issue with Nitin Gadkari.
- Regular train services are necessary for effective transportation of produce.
Srinagar, Sep 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, expressed on Monday that if the Central government is unable to ensure the upkeep of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, it should transfer the responsibility to the UT government.
“Enough is enough,” a frustrated Abdullah stated to reporters, voicing his alarm over the ongoing disruptions of this crucial highway, which have led to significant financial losses for apple growers and traders in the Kashmir Valley. The delays have resulted in their fruit laden trucks being stranded for days, causing the produce to spoil before it can reach its destinations.
The responsibility for maintaining the Jammu-Srinagar highway currently lies with the Centre.
“If they (the Centre) cannot manage it, they should hand it over to us. I have a team of engineers ready to be deployed here,” he asserted.
CM Abdullah criticized the Centre's inability to make the road fully operational. “We have been patient as they assured us daily about restoration efforts, yet nothing has materialized,” he remarked.
He intends to discuss the highway's restoration with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
“Today, I will reach out to Union Minister Gadkari and advocate for the highway to be handed over to us for restoration to facilitate truck movement,” he added.
Regarding the inaugural parcel train launched by LG Manoj Sinha from Budgam railway station to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi, the CM noted that merely one train service is insufficient.
“I urge the Railway Minister to consider that this single train is not enough. We appreciate the initiation of this service, but it should be regular to provide fruit growers with the choice to transport apples by either train or road,” he stated.
All fruit mandis across Kashmir, including those in Sopore, Kupwara, Handwara, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, and others, were closed on Monday as part of the two-day shutdown called for September 14 and 15.
Previously, the fruit growers’ association reported that numerous trucks carrying perishable fruit remained stuck on the highway, not allowed to proceed, leading to substantial damage and financial losses.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of highway maintenance in Jammu and Kashmir. The ongoing issues not only impact local economies but also reflect on the governance and infrastructural commitments of the Central government. The call for transfer of responsibilities to the UT government underscores a need for accountability and swift action to address the grievances of the region's farmers.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Omar Abdullah say regarding the Jammu-Srinagar highway?
Omar Abdullah stated that if the Central government cannot maintain the highway, it should hand over the responsibility to the UT government.
Why is the Jammu-Srinagar highway important?
The highway is crucial for transporting goods, particularly for apple growers and traders in the Kashmir Valley.
What are the current issues faced by the highway?
There have been ongoing blockages leading to trucks being stranded for days, causing significant financial losses.
What actions did Abdullah propose?
He proposed deploying a team of engineers to manage the highway if it is handed over to the UT government.
What other transportation issues were mentioned?
Abdullah highlighted that the newly launched train service is insufficient for the needs of fruit growers.
