CM Reviews Restoration Efforts on Srinagar-Jammu NH After Heavy Rains

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting today to assess the progress of restoration works on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other key roads damaged by the recent heavy rains.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretaries of Home and Public Works, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as representatives from BRO, NHIDCL, NHAI, JK Police, and other relevant departments.

CM Omar Abdullah stressed the urgency of restoring road connectivity to ensure smooth traffic movement and the uninterrupted supply of essential goods, particularly to the Kashmir Valley and remote areas of Jammu division. He called for enhanced inter-departmental coordination and regular updates to facilitate quick responses to public needs.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo briefed the meeting on the condition of NH-44, calling its restoration a top priority due to its critical role in connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. He highlighted the urgency of facilitating the movement of perishable commodities, such as fruits, from the Valley, and noted the challenging conditions in areas like Kishtwar and Udhampur, which are facing power, drinking water, and communication outages.

Dulloo further emphasised the need for temporary restoration of key highways, including Dhar–Mahanpur, Ramban–Gool, and Reasi–Mahore, to reconnect affected districts.

The Chief Minister inquired about the availability of ration, fuel, and medicines in isolated areas such as Bani, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Udhampur. He instructed officials to use alternate routes — such as via Anantnag for Kishtwar and Bhaderwah for Bani — to replenish supplies until full road restoration is completed.

The Divisional Commissioner Jammu provided an update on ongoing restoration efforts on NH-44, the resumption of supplies to the Valley, and special train services for passengers and tourists. He assured that there is no shortage of essentials in Jammu, and efforts are underway to ensure adequate supply in cut-off areas.

Similarly, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir confirmed that the Valley has sufficient stocks of fuel and ration.

CM Omar Abdullah also directed that all disconnected roads under BRO, NHAI, NHIDCL, and other agencies be closely monitored, with status reports submitted to his office twice daily — in the morning and evening.