Frequent closure of highway resulting in losses, rue J&K traders

The frequent closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, especially in Ramban, has left traders and fruit growers fuming who say that they have been facing losses due to the erratic flow of traffic. Shooting stones and landslides at Mehar and Panthyal in Ramban have become a common sight, resulting in halting of vehicles including trucks carrying goods.

Tonnes of apples had rotten when a large number of trucks could not move due to the closure of the highway for days in September last year.

Arun Gupta, president of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said perishable items sent from Jammu to Kashmir remained stranded due to the frequent closure of the highway, resulting in losses.