55 trucks deployed to Sopore, Shopian mandis
Growers Say “200–300 trucks needed daily to clear backlog”
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has deployed 55 trucks to major fruit mandis in Sopore and Shopian, addressing a critical transport crisis faced by apple growers. This initiative follows government directives aimed at alleviating the transportation challenges that have plagued the region, particularly due to frequent closures of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.
The General Manager of JKRTC, Bashir Ahmed Sofi, confirmed that the trucks, including 14 large trailers, will facilitate the movement of fruit to key markets in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. To support growers, JKRTC has established concessional freight rates, significantly lower than the previous charges imposed by private transporters, which had nearly doubled due to the transport shortage. The new rates are set at Rs 130 per box for Delhi and Rs 120 for Punjab, compared to the usual Rs 240–250. This move aims to protect growers from further financial losses as many had been forced to sell their produce at reduced prices due to the lack of transport. Despite the relief provided by the deployment of RTC trucks, local orchardists express that the situation remains precarious. The President of Sopore Fruit Mandi, Fayaz Ahmed Malik, noted that while the arrival of trucks is beneficial, the daily requirement is significantly higher, estimating a need for 200–300 trucks to clear the backlog of stranded apple boxes. Growers like Ghulam Rasool and Abdul Majid emphasized the importance of consistent transport availability, warning that delays could lead to buyers seeking alternatives, ultimately harming their livelihoods. The government has pledged to monitor the situation closely and take strict action against any private truckers found to be overcharging, particularly during highway closures. The Motor Vehicle Department will also conduct inspections to ensure fair freight practices. As the apple harvest peaks, growers are urging the government to maintain uninterrupted transport services and ensure smooth highway connectivity to safeguard the horticulture economy and the livelihoods of thousands of orchardists in the Valley.
