Srinagar to become smart city by June 2024

Talking to ANI, Athar Amir Khan, CEO, Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) and Srinagar Municipal Commissioner, said that out of the 125 projects, 56 projects worth Rs 320 crore has been completed, rest of the 69 projects are under execution. Some of the projects have progressed 80-90 per cent while some are at initial stages. "Most of the projects will be completed by December end of this year. Around 16 projects which are under execution will be completed by June 2024," Khan said.

Khan said, "Our sense is that we will see major transformation in Srinagar city once the smart city projects are completed. We are developing 'walking infrastructure' of around 80 km in the city which is absolutely unprecedented." There will be foot paths and pedestrian lanes crisscrossed all over the city.

Under smart city mission, projects have eight themes such as 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, Green Srinagar are the broad themes the SSCL are working upon. "All the projects are integrated and interconnected together so that we can transform entire Srinagar city," Khan said.

Khan said that the Polo View Market is Srinagar's first completely pedestrian and wire-free market. The market has universal access, separate underground sewerage and drainage networks, underground electricity and communication lines, facade improvements of buildings, and public convenience facilities.

Smart city officials are currently working on a comprehensive overhaul of the entire city. Once completed, Srinagar is expected to become a fascinating destination for tourists from all over the country.

Khan said that in addition to the Polo View Market, many other locations in Srinagar have undergone substantial renovations. "Area of Lal Chowk is under renovation. We had planned a complete makeover of Lal Chowk area. Four projects such as Lal Chowk precinct, Ghantaghar, Residency Road and Mecca market are going on. With a budget of Rs 27 crore, we will do a complete makeover of the area. We will complete the renovation work of Lal Chowk area by mid-July this year," Khan said.

Khan said the city has become cleaner, more organised, and easier to navigate, making it an excellent place to live, work and visit.

The transformation of the Polo View Market is just one example of the great things that are happening in Srinagar. With the city's Smart City project in full swing, there are sure to be many more exciting developments in the near future. (ANI)