Gadkari to Head Meeting Over Jammu-Srinagar Highway Bottlenecks
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is set to chair a high-level meeting to address ongoing bottlenecks on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The meeting will focus on traffic disruptions, maintenance issues, and infrastructure damage.
Who Will Attend
Senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will attend. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, cabinet colleagues, and senior bureaucrats are expected to join via video conference.
Key Issues Highlighted
A 250-300 metre stretch at Tahard in Udhampur district has suffered damage from debris, causing major traffic delays. Fruit growers and traders have complained that trucks carrying fruit are stranded, leading to heavy losses as produce spoils during transit. Critics, including opposition parties, have argued that the highway’s upkeep has been neglected, especially after heavy rains and landslides.
Responses and Demands
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked Gadkari for urgent intervention, expecting visible improvements within 24 hours. Some local leaders have demanded that the highway be handed over to the Jammu & Kashmir government if central agencies fail to maintain it properly.
