Jammu, March 25, 2025 – The Jammu Smart City Project has incurred an expenditure of Rs 815.37 crore over the past six years, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Assembly on Monday. Responding to a query from BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa, Abdullah, who also holds the Housing and Urban Development portfolio, provided a detailed breakdown of the funds spent on various projects and administrative costs under the initiative.
According to the Chief Minister, the expenditure has steadily increased since the project’s inception. The year-wise allocation includes Rs 52 crore in 2019-20, Rs 75.18 crore in 2020-21, Rs 128.05 crore in 2021-22, Rs 196.21 crore in 2022-23, Rs 225.63 crore in 2023-24, and Rs 138.30 crore in the current fiscal year, 2024-25, up to the latest records. “These funds have been utilized for both project implementation and administrative expenses,” Abdullah stated.
Launched as part of India’s Smart Cities Mission, the Jammu Smart City Project aims to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life in the region. Abdullah highlighted that the initiative has addressed key civic issues, including traffic disruptions, water logging, and the installation of decorative street lighting. “No significant complaints have been received regarding the works completed so far,” he added, noting that 16 specific grievances related to these issues have been resolved.
The Chief Minister’s statement comes amid ongoing efforts to transform Jammu into a modern urban hub, with the project gaining momentum in recent years. The highest expenditure was recorded in 2023-24 at Rs 225.63 crore, reflecting an accelerated pace of development.
While the opposition has occasionally raised concerns about the pace and transparency of such projects, Abdullah’s response underscores the government’s commitment to the initiative. Further details on specific projects completed or underway were not elaborated upon in the Assembly session, but officials have indicated that a comprehensive progress report may be released in the coming months.
The Jammu Smart City Project continues to be a focal point of urban development in the union territory, with its outcomes closely watched by residents and policymakers alike.