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| Hakeem expresses deep concern over collapse of Sgr-Jmu highway | | urges PM Modi for relief, rehabilitation, and long-term solutions | Srinagar,April 22 (Scoop News)-Hakeem Yaseen, President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the alarming condition of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway from the past three days. The continuous disruption of this vital road link has left thousands of passengers and vehicles stranded, causing immense distress to people from all walks of life, he said.
Terming the situation as "a humanitarian crisis," Hakeem said the highway, once considered the backbone of connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country, has become unreliable and dangerous. This is not just a traffic issue. This is a matter of survival. Entire families are stuck for days in harsh conditions. Goods, patients, students, and tourists are all suffering,” he said.
Hakeem said that despite repeated claims by the administration, no lasting measures have been taken to address the vulnerability of the highway to natural disasters. “For the past 15 years, we have seen endless announcements and patchwork repairs. Every time disaster strikes, we are back to square one. Leaders come, take photos, make promises, and leave—while people continue to suffer,” he said.
Calling the current crisis the worst natural disaster since the 2014 floods, Hakeem appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to declare it a national disaster as a special case. He stressed that the scale of damage and suffering has overwhelmed the capacity of the Union Territory administration and needs immediate central intervention.
“I request the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to announce a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package. People have lost their homes, vehicles, and livelihoods. Some are still missing. A special project must be launched to support their recovery and long-term sustainability,” Hakeem said.
According to the officials National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the highway has suffered serious damage at 22 locations, and while restoration work is underway, the scale of destruction is immense. Landslides triggered by flash floods in the Ramban district on Sunday claimed the lives of three people, and over 100 had to be rescued.
Nearly 4 to 5 kilometers of the highway were completely washed away, and many vehicles were buried under debris. Relief operations are ongoing, and stranded passengers are being provided temporary shelter and food by the authorities.
He also demanded serious attention to alternative road connectivity, calling for the immediate widening and upgradation of the Mughal Road. “This road must be declared a National Highway and developed with the same urgency as the main corridor,” he said.
Referring to the Mandi– Tosamaidan-Loran Arizal Road, Hakeem highlighted it as the shortest and most stable link between the Jammu and Kashmir regions. “It was initiated years ago, and some work was done, but the project has been left midway. This route has fewer landslide-prone zones and should be completed on a priority basis,” he emphasized.
Hakeem also expressed dismay over the skyrocketing airfares between Srinagar and Jammu during times of highway closure.
“Private airlines exploit the situation whenever the highway is blocked or the weather turns bad. Why can’t the government regulate ticket prices during emergencies? Why can’t helicopter services be provided for stranded passengers, especially the elderly and sick?” he asked.
He urged the central government to formulate a long-term disaster mitigation and transportation strategy for Jammu and Kashmir. “This is not the last time we will face floods or landslides. But unless we act now, the people will continue to suffer every single year. It's time to move from announcements to action,” Hakeem added.
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