In a significant update on urban development, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has revealed that the Jammu Smart City and Srinagar Smart City projects have collectively utilized over ₹1,638 crore for various development works. This investment has led to the successful completion of 200 projects, with only 11 remaining under execution.
The data was presented in the Legislative Assembly in response to questions from legislators Sham Lal Sharma and Vikram Randhawa, highlighting the government’s focus on urban infrastructure development under the national Smart City Mission.
A Breakdown of Project Completion
According to the official reply:
- Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL): Has undertaken 70 projects. Of these, 66 are completed, and 4 are under execution, with ₹850 crore released and utilized.
- Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL): Has taken up 141 projects. 134 have been completed, and 7 are underway, with an expenditure of ₹788.89 crore.
The government firmly denied any claims that construction works were abandoned, stating there are no instances of blocked drains or road damage due to incomplete projects. Officials emphasized that both physical and financial progress are being closely monitored to ensure timely completion.
Transforming Jammu: Key Development Initiatives
The Jammu and Kashmir government outlined the broad scope of the Smart City projects, which are designed to create sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced urban centers.
Key components of the Jammu development projects include:
- Smart Mobility & Traffic Management: Decongestion of key intersections, introduction of e-mobility (e-rickshaws and e-buses), and development of pedestrian and cycling tracks.
- Advanced Drainage & Water Management: An integrated stormwater system and channelization of nallahs to prevent flooding and reduce pollution in the Tawi River.
- City Beautification & Public Spaces: Installation of vertical gardens, green strips, murals, park upgrades, and decorative lighting at major junctions.
- Digital Governance & Public Convenience: Implementation of Wi-Fi hotspots, digital dashboards, geo-tagging of properties, an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), and public amenities like smart bus stops and water ATMs.
The comprehensive efforts under the Srinagar Smart City and Jammu initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life for residents through improved civic amenities, efficient mobility networks, and the creation of green public spaces. This massive investment in urban development in Jammu & Kashmir marks a pivotal step towards building modern, resilient, and citizen-friendly cities in the region.
