Jammu and Kashmir has successfully completed 260 Smart City projects at an estimated cost of Rs 6,358.31 crore, with an additional 29 projects worth Rs 857.58 crore currently underway, according to recent reports. This development is part of the broader Smart Cities Mission aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and improving the quality of life in the region’s key cities, Srinagar and Jammu.
The completed projects span a variety of initiatives designed to modernize urban centers, including the development of green spaces, installation of LED street lights, construction of health centers and auditoriums, and upgrades to public transportation systems. These efforts are intended to create efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable urban environments. For instance, in Jammu, notable completed projects include junction improvements, road upgrades, and the construction of an archives repository, while Srinagar has seen advancements such as the enhancement of public utilities and infrastructure.
The 29 projects still in progress continue to build on these efforts, with ongoing works like the Tawi River Front Development Project and the rejuvenation of ponds and water bodies in Jammu, alongside other infrastructure improvements in both cities. Official data indicates that these projects are part of a strategic push to transform J&K’s urban landscape, aligning with the national Smart Cities Mission launched in 2016.
The Smart Cities Mission in J&K has been credited with not only improving infrastructure but also boosting local economies through initiatives like pilgrim tourism circuits, announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which aim to redirect visitors from the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine to other local destinations.
While the progress is substantial, the mission’s success hinges on the timely completion of the remaining projects and their long-term maintenance, a challenge seen in other regions where Smart City initiatives have transitioned to local authorities. For now, J&K’s urban transformation continues to unfold, with these developments marking a milestone in the region’s journey toward smarter, more sustainable cities.