Srinagar, June 3: Srinagar is set to achieve the status of a smart city by June 2024. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has sanctioned a total of 125 projects worth Rs 930 crore under the Smart City Mission, with significant progress already made.
According to Athar Amir Khan, CEO of Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) and Srinagar Municipal Commissioner, 56 projects valued at Rs 320 crore have already been completed, while the remaining 69 projects are currently under execution. Some projects have reached 80-90% completion, while others are still in the initial stages. Khan stated that most of the projects will be finalized by the end of December this year, and the remaining 16 projects are expected to be completed by June 2024.
Khan expressed optimism about the major transformation that will take place in Srinagar once the smart city projects are finalized. He highlighted the development of an unprecedented “walking infrastructure” spanning approximately 80 km, which includes the creation of footpaths and pedestrian lanes throughout the city.
Under the smart city mission, the SSCL is working on various themes, including Jhelum Water Front Development and Water Transport, Urban Mobility Street and Intersection Development, City Beautification and Urban Art, Heritage Conservation and Downtown Renewal, Central Business District Upgradation, Dal Lake Front Conservation, Shalimar Canal Project, Integrated Command and Control Centre HMT, 175 km Srinagar Fibre Optic Internet System, Intelligent Traffic Management System, and Green Srinagar. Khan emphasized that these projects are interconnected and integrated to transform the entire city.
One notable achievement is the Polo View Market, which has become Srinagar’s first fully pedestrian and wire-free market. The market boasts universal access, separate underground sewerage and drainage networks, underground electricity and communication lines, building facade improvements, and public convenience facilities.
Furthermore, comprehensive renovations are taking place in various locations across Srinagar. Khan highlighted the ongoing renovation projects in the Lal Chowk area, including the Lal Chowk precinct, Ghantaghar, Residency Road, and Mecca Market. With a budget of Rs 27 crore, the area will undergo a complete makeover and is expected to be completed by mid-July this year.
The city’s transformation is leading to a cleaner, more organized, and visitor-friendly environment, making it an attractive place to live, work, and visit. The successful redevelopment of the Polo View Market is just one example of the remarkable progress being made in Srinagar. With the smart city project well underway, the city anticipates many more exciting developments in the near future.
