"3,500–4,000 trucks moving daily, evacuation of fruit given top priority" Over 8,000 trucks of essential goods released, Mughal road kept vital link: IGP Traffic   Srinagar, Sep 22: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Monday said that about 1.37 lakh metric tons of fruit have been transported from the Valley over the past ten days through the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Mughal Road, and railway parcel services. Addressing a press briefing along with IGP Traffic M. Suleman Choudhary, Garg said the dispatch was made possible under a Standard Operating Procedure framed on the directions of the Chief Secretary, with coordination between the district administration, traffic police, National Highway authorities, and the Border Roads Organisation. “In the last ten days, approximately 1,37,000 metric tons of fruit have been dispatched through the highway, the Mughal Road, and the train parcel van service,” he said. Garg said around 1,500 to 2,000 trucks carrying fruits, empty containers, and other vehicles gather daily in the Valley and are moved towards Jammu on a rotational basis. “When the Srinagar-Jammu highway is used for downward movement, the Mughal Road is used for upward traffic from Jammu to Srinagar. The pattern is reversed the next day to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential services while fruit trucks are also cleared,” he said. The Div Comm said the National Highway is undergoing restoration and the movement of trucks has increased. “Earlier, 1,500 to 2,000 trucks moved daily on the highway. Now about 3,500 to 4,000 trucks are passing,” he said. He added that on Sunday night, 3,500 to 4,000 trucks moved towards Srinagar, while on Monday about 2,000 trucks from Qazigund started towards Jammu. “By this evening all fruit trucks will reach Jammu. Similarly, 1,800 to 1,900 trucks have also been moved from Mughal Road towards Jammu,” he said. He further said that evacuation of fruit is being given top priority so that farmers do not face difficulties. Garg said the recently launched parcel train service from Srinagar to Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar is carrying 800 to 1,000 tons of fruit daily. “Our farmers are working with the railways. Their demand to include Anantnag and Baramulla stations has also been accepted so that growers from South and North Kashmir can use these stations for dispatch,” he said. On essential commodities, Garg said there is no shortage. “At present we have stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, and food supplies available for at least one week. The Department of Food and Consumer Affairs is ensuring regular availability, and replenishment is continuous. All petrol pumps have adequate fuel and LPG services are in full swing,” he said. He appealed to people not to panic. “There is no need for panic buying. Sufficient stocks are available and monitoring is being done regularly,” he said. Garg, further, said that the Chief Secretary is reviewing highway restoration daily and the Chief Minister also reviewed the overall issue on Monday. “Directions have been given to all agencies to maintain coordination. Traffic movement is being streamlined so that fruit trucks are cleared and essential supplies remain uninterrupted,” he said. He added that restoration work on the Udhampur stretch is being monitored continuously. “The buffer stock of essential supplies will increase day by day as weather conditions are stable and restoration work progresses,” he said. Garg thanked the public for cooperating with the administration. “Because of the support of people, the environment in the Valley has remained smooth and no major problem has been faced,” he said. Later briefing the media at the same venue, Inspector General of Police (Traffic) M. Sulaiman Choudhary said that about 8,000 to 10,000 trucks carrying essential goods have been released into the Valley and the Mughal Road has functioned as a vital link after landslides blocked the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Udhampur. Choudhary said that after the landslides at the Thard area in Udhampur, traffic connectivity was maintained through the Mughal Road. “Since the landslide issue came up, we have had connectivity with the Mughal Road. About 1,000 vehicles used to move daily, from Jammu to Srinagar and from Srinagar to Jammu,” he said. He added that once partial restoration of the highway was achieved, the focus was on fruit trucks. “When the highway was restored a little, we prioritised the movement of the fruit trucks towards the downward movement,” he said. Choudhary said the condition of the highway gradually improved and the backlog of vehicles was cleared. “The movement was not as much as it should have been, but with surface improvement, the backlog was cleared. The up and down traffic on the Mughal Road has continued since then,” he said. The IGP said essential supplies were also transported on priority. “We have pushed essentials to the Valley in sufficient stocks. Around 8,000 to 10,000 trucks carrying essential goods have been released. Now there are no standard trucks waiting in such bulk,” he said. Choudhary added that the Mughal Road remains a reliable option when needed. “If the traffic from the Mughal Road is done from here, then our second option will be that food trucks for the Valley are moved downward,” he said. He further said that on Monday the movement pattern was being followed as per schedule. “Today, the movement of trucks is downward towards Jammu, and the upward movement of heavy motor vehicles is from the Mughal Road from Jammu towards Shopian,” he said. He urged the public not to believe rumours. “If there are any rumours or panic, the situation has already been cleared. The highway is being operated on an alternate day basis, and movement is being ensured,” he said.