Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid met Nitin Gadkari.
New Delhi. Engineer Rashid, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramulla, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday to raise several issues concerning infrastructure and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, he specifically demanded the creation of a dedicated ‘green corridor’ on National Highway-44 (NH-44) to ensure the seamless movement of fruit-laden trucks, particularly during the harvest season.
Engineer Rashid is currently attending the ongoing session of Parliament following court permission. During his meeting with the Union Minister on Friday, he prominently highlighted issues related to development and transportation affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. According to a statement issued by his party, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), the discussion covered various topics concerning the region’s infrastructure, road connectivity, and amenities for the general public.
Demand for a Green Corridor for Fruit Growers
During the meeting, Rashid placed special emphasis on the rapid and smooth transportation of fruit from Jammu and Kashmir to various parts of the country during the harvest season. He noted that timely access to markets is crucial for fruit growers; if trucks laden with fruit get stuck in traffic jams or are delayed by traffic restrictions for extended periods, it can result in financial losses for farmers and traders.
In light of this, he proposed the creation of a special green corridor on NH-44 for fruit-laden trucks. The objective is to prioritize the movement of vehicles carrying apples and other horticultural produce, enabling them to reach markets outside Jammu and Kashmir without unnecessary delays.
The horticulture sector plays a vital role in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. A large number of families—particularly in the Kashmir Valley—are directly or indirectly involved in fruit production, packaging, transportation, and trade. Consequently, a smooth transportation system during the harvest season is considered essential for the farmers’ income.
Emphasis on Traffic Management on NH-44
National Highway-44 is the primary route connecting Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the country. Traffic on this route is frequently disrupted due to the mountainous terrain and weather-related challenges. The situation can become even more difficult during the harvest season as the volume of vehicles increases.
Rashid urged the Minister to put a special arrangement in place beforehand to alleviate transportation-related hurdles for fruit growers. Prioritizing the movement of fruit-laden trucks through a “green corridor” could reduce transit times and ensure that perishable produce reaches the market on schedule.
Benefits for Farmers and Traders
To maintain fruit quality, prompt transportation after harvesting is essential. Prolonged delays where trucks remain stuck en route increase the risk of spoilage. This can result in lower returns for farmers and financial losses for traders.
Implementing a special traffic arrangement for fruit-laden trucks would benefit the entire supply chain. Farmers would be able to transport their produce to major markets in less time, while wastage caused by transportation delays could be minimized.
Issues Regarding Jammu & Kashmir’s Infrastructure Raised
According to an AIP statement, Rashid did not limit his remarks to fruit transportation issues during the meeting. He drew the Union Minister’s attention to several critical matters concerning infrastructure and public welfare in Jammu & Kashmir.
He emphasized the need to strengthen road connectivity and accelerate infrastructure development in the region. A robust road network in hilly and remote areas could play a pivotal role in improving local access to essential services such as healthcare, education, trade, and employment opportunities.
Connectivity in Remote Areas is Crucial
Many regions in Jammu & Kashmir present geographical challenges. Road connectivity is often disrupted by snowfall, landslides, and other natural conditions. Consequently, a strong road network and efficient traffic management are vital for the local population.
MP Rashid’s meeting with Gadkari is considered significant in this context. Raising issues related to road projects and national highways at the central government level could pave the way for resolving problems faced by the concerned sectors.
Permission to Attend the Parliamentary Session
The court has granted Engineer Rashid permission to participate in the ongoing parliamentary session. Following this authorization, he is taking part in parliamentary proceedings and meeting various Union Ministers to raise issues concerning his constituency and Jammu & Kashmir.
His meeting with Gadkari was also part of this series of engagements. While raising infrastructure-related matters at the central level, the MP sought solutions to the problems faced by fruit growers and the general public.
Awaiting a Decision on the Green Corridor
Attention will now focus on the steps the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways takes regarding the demand for a special green corridor on NH-44 during the fruit harvesting season. If such a system is implemented, it could directly benefit fruit growers, transporters, and traders in Jammu & Kashmir.
Currently, the primary objective of the demand raised by Rashid is to prioritize the transportation of fruit during the crucial harvest season. Given the vital role of horticulture in Jammu & Kashmir’s economy, NH-44…