Overview

• Traffic officials said clearing stranded fruit carriers from the highway and mandis is the immediate focus, with lane-discipline advisories in place on NH-44.
• The route suffered major landslide damage in late August, including a buried stretch between Tharad and Balli Nalla, which continues to slow movement despite repairs.
• Traders in Jammu report consignments taking 10 days or more to arrive, with up to 60% of apples spoiled and boxes selling for Rs 100–200.
• A Budgam–Delhi parcel service began with roughly 23 tonnes daily capacity, offering marginal relief as the Mughal Road remains unsuitable for heavy trucks.
• Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inspected repair works after conferring with Nitin Gadkari, and a Divisional Commissioner-led committee is compiling loss estimates following grower protests and market shutdowns.