Srinagar, Sep 10 (KNO): Stranded for nearly two weeks on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, truck drivers are battling hunger, dehydration and growing safety concerns, filled with frustration as they await clearance to resume their journey.
While light vehicles were allowed on the highway today after nearly 10 days, heavy trucks carrying essential supplies, fruits and other goods remain stuck, leaving drivers in a state of uncertainty and distress.
“This is unbearable. These 13 days feel like 13 years. We are sleeping in our trucks, eating whatever we can get, and constantly worrying about our goods rotting,” Bashir Ahmad, a truck driver from Anantnag, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Drivers said their situation is worsened by the lack of food and drinking water. “We have been pooling our money to buy meals, but there are no proper facilities here. Some of us are surviving on just tea and biscuits,” said another trucker, Irfan Malik, who was transporting vegetables from Jammu to Srinagar.
Apart from basic necessities, safety remains a major concern for those stranded. Drivers said long halts in isolated areas along the highway make them vulnerable to accidents and theft. “We are not only worried about our goods but also about our own lives. There is no clear information from authorities on when heavy vehicles will be allowed to move,” Irfan added.
Moreover, the prolonged closure has also caused mounting financial losses. Several truckers said that perishable goods in their vehicles have already started rotting due to delays. “Every day of waiting costs us money. We are losing both earnings and peace of mind,” said Bashir.
Authorities, while allowing light vehicles to move today, have yet to announce a timeline for the clearance of heavy trucks. Truckers and transporters are urging the administration to expedite the reopening of the highway for trucks to avoid further economic and personal losses—(KNO)