JAMMU, September 29, 2026 – Expressing deep apprehensions regarding the potential impact on their livelihoods, a delegation of the Ambphalla to Roop Nagar All Traders Association met with Arun Gupta, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu. The meeting, held on Monday, focused on raising the critical issues and pressing concerns of local shopkeepers and business owners regarding the construction of the newly proposed flyover connecting Ambphalla to Roop Nagar. The traders conveyed that the proposed infrastructure project, while aimed at decongesting traffic, poses a severe existential threat to thousands of small businesses, shops, and commercial establishments situated along the designated route.
During the detailed interaction, the delegation highlighted that the government had allegedly initiated the preliminary processes for the flyover without taking the primary stakeholders—the local residents and the business community—into confidence. The traders argued that the construction phase, and the subsequent structural alignment of the flyover, would result in massive displacement, disrupt the existing power and utility infrastructure, and ultimately destroy the commercial viability of the area, leaving thousands of shopkeepers and their employees unemployed. Seeking the CCI’s intervention, the association proposed viable alternatives to alleviate the city’s traffic woes, such as the construction of a Ring Road from Manda to Akhnoor via the High Court and Roop Nagar, or the introduction of a metro train service, which they believe would effectively manage traffic congestion without displacing established markets. Arun Gupta gave a patient hearing to the traders’ grievances and assured them that the Chamber would take up the matter strongly with the concerned government authorities. The association expressed hope that through constructive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, a suitable and balanced solution would be reached, ensuring that urban development does not come at the cost of the traders’ livelihoods.
Published by True Roots Media Network