Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 4: The much-anticipated water transport system in Srinagar is under evaluation and is expected to be operational soon, officials from Smart City Srinagar said on Tuesday.
An official said that the evaluation of bids is currently underway and that the work will commence shortly.
“We had earlier floated the tender, but a little response was received. Now, the tender has been reissued, and we are hopeful that the project will take off soon,” the official said.
The water transport system is a flagship project of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), aimed at reviving water-based public transportation in the city.
Earlier today, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, chaired meetings to review the selection of an agency for operating water transport services in River Jhelum and Dal Lake. “He directed SSCL officials to finalize routes, set fare structures, and expedite the tendering process.”
Moreover, in June 2024, officials said the flagship project under SSCL, which aims to provide an alternate mode of public transport in Srinagar City and revive water transport after three decades, is in the last stage of its tendering process and would take at least three to four months to complete.
They said, on completion of the tendering process, they will finally be able to procure modern motorised boats and other equipment to start the water transport on selected routes. Initially, procure 25 boats from the successful bidder and start the water transport facility from River Jhelum and Dal Lake in the first phase.
It is now important to mention, the evaluation of bids is again underway and the work will commence shortly, after its completion.
