SRINAGAR, October 10, 2025 – Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary undertook a comprehensive tour of Srinagar city to evaluate ongoing development works and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing urban amenities while safeguarding the city’s rich historical legacy.Accompanied by senior officials from the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department and other executing agencies, the Deputy CM visited key sites including the Government College of Education, Government College for Women, the proposed site for the Barbar Shah Bridge, the historic Old Habba Kadal Bridge, and the Padshahi Bagh Road. These locations represent a blend of educational hubs, vital connectivity projects, and heritage structures that define Srinagar’s unique character.During the inspection, Surinder Choudhary emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving the heritage character of the city amid rapid modernisation.
“Our developmental works must harmonize with Srinagar’s timeless architecture and cultural ethos, ensuring that modern infrastructure complements rather than overshadows its historical essence,” he stated, underscoring the need for sustainable urban planning in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.At the proposed Barbar Shah Bridge site, the Deputy CM reviewed progress on the Detailed Project Report (DPR), directing authorities to incorporate all essential components such as utility shifting, land acquisition, and technical feasibility assessments. He instructed the R&B Division Srinagar to expedite the process to alleviate traffic congestion in the bustling downtown areas.A significant focus of the tour was the Old Habba Kadal Bridge, a colonial-era landmark that has endured floods and time. Assessing its motorability and structural integrity post-recent floods, Choudhary mandated immediate repairs to the damaged decking by the R&B Division Karan Nagar. “This bridge is not just a thoroughfare but a symbol of Srinagar’s resilient heritage; its safety and restoration are paramount,” he remarked, highlighting the integration of flood-resilient designs in future development works.
The tour extended to Padshahi Bagh, where discussions centered on prioritizing upcoming projects to improve road networks and public spaces. The Deputy CM reiterated directives to resolve bottlenecks, monitor finishing touches rigorously, and adhere to timelines for commissioning these initiatives. This approach, he noted, would significantly boost the ease of living for residents while upholding the aesthetic and cultural fabric of Srinagar.In a direct engagement with the community, Surinder Choudhary interacted with local residents, community elders, and members of the traders’ federation at Padshahi Bagh. He attentively heard their grievances regarding traffic, sanitation, and commercial viability, assuring them that feedback would shape policy. “The emphasis on preserving heritage character extends to empowering our traders and youth through inclusive growth,” he affirmed, promising modern amenities like upgraded drainage, lighting, and pedestrian pathways without compromising the traditional skyline.This visit aligns with the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s broader vision for balanced urban development, where progress meets preservation. As Srinagar navigates its dual identity as a heritage jewel and a modern metropolis, such tours signal a proactive stance against unchecked urbanization. Officials anticipate that these projects, once completed, will not only decongest vital arteries like the Jhelum River crossings but also foster tourism by spotlighting the city’s Mughal-era charm.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s tour comes amid ongoing efforts to rebuild and revitalize Srinagar following environmental challenges, reinforcing the narrative of resilient development works rooted in cultural sensitivity.
