Following willingness shown by the Pakistan Government on discussing the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade with people connected with import export the State Government has taken in hand upgradation of Srinagar-Uri road. Besides tarring the road is to be widened near Buniyar and Rampur near Uri.In addition to this the Kaman Bridge is to be further strengthened for movement of trucks.
Official sources said that besides the upgradation of the road the Government has to install scanners which can scan the goods that were being imported and exported on the route. In addition to this shelter sheds for drivers and cleaners between Uri and across the LOC have to be built.
Sources said that India would prefer sending a team of traders from Jammu and Kashmir with whom Islamabad would discuss the details of goods that were to be imported and those that were to be exported to Jammu and Kashmir.
Leaders of chamber of commerce and Industries in Jammu said "we in Jammu and Kashmir have the potential of exporting fresh and dry fruits, handicraft items, spices, pharmaceutical products, including drugs, motor tubes and tyres, saffron, and sports goods, especially cricket bats. They said "we can import from Pakistan resin, rock salt, cloth, some fresh fruit and other consumer goods.
They also hoped that more items were included in the list of import and export trade by Delhi and Islamabad. Opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade has been raised afresh not only by the mainstream political parties in Kashmir but by the separatists. The separatists made an issue of the so called economic blockade on the valley by the protesters in Jammu which warranted opening of another trade route.Indications are that the road may be thrown open for trade by the middle of next month.