Srinagar, Aug 7: Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Er. Rashid, on Friday called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at Parliament and raised several key infrastructure and public welfare issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on safeguarding the interests of the horticulture sector and improving road connectivity across the region.
According to Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, the MP urged the Union Minister to establish a dedicated Green Corridor for fruit-laden trucks on National Highway-44 during the ongoing harvesting season. He highlighted that frequent traffic disruptions at Qazigund, Banihal, Udhampur and other regulated stretches of the highway are causing significant losses to fruit growers by delaying the transportation of highly perishable produce.
Er. Rashid informed the Minister that the horticulture sector is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, sustaining nearly seven lakh families. He said delays in transportation lead to deterioration in fruit quality, reduced market prices and increased transportation costs, adversely affecting growers’ livelihoods.
The Baramulla MP requested the Union Minister to ensure priority movement of fruit-laden trucks through a dedicated Green Corridor and to establish an effective coordination mechanism involving the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police, Civil Administration and the Horticulture Department to facilitate uninterrupted movement during the harvesting season.
During the meeting, Er. Rashid also raised the issue of the proposed alignment of NH-701A (Magam–Beerwah–Arizal–Doodhpathri Highway). He urged the Minister to retain and upgrade the existing Border Roads Organisation (BRO)-maintained alignment instead of constructing a new bypass.
The MP argued that upgrading the existing alignment with minimal widening would reduce land acquisition, displacement and project costs while protecting fertile agricultural land and orchards. He added that the proposal has the support of local residents and would enhance connectivity to Beerwah, Doodhpathri and Yousmarg.
Er. Rashid further requested the Union Minister to expedite the development and upgradation of the 8-kilometre road from Paharthan to Kralnewah Crossing via Chotriba, saying the project would significantly improve local connectivity and benefit commuters in the area.
