Govt spends Rs 713 cr on SSCL projects

Srinagar, Apr 7: The Jammu and Kashmir government has spent over Rs 713 crore on various projects under the Srinagar Smart City initiative since its inception, with major developments seen in energy efficiency, transportation, waste management, water management, and public safety.
According to official data shared by the Housing and Urban Development Department in response to queries raised by MLAs Ali Mohammad Sagar, Shamim Firdous, and Mushtaq Guroo, the year-wise expenditure on Smart City projects was from 2018-19 to February 2025 totals Rs 713.94 crore.
It reveals the projects include the installation of energy-efficient LED streetlights across Srinagar and smart metering systems in collaboration with KPDCL. In the transportation sector, 100 electric buses have been deployed, along with an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and a public bicycle-sharing system with 900 cycles and 100 docking stations.
Additionally, the street upgrades have been made, including the development of 100 km of roads under the “Complete Street” model, which features pedestrian-friendly pathways, cycling tracks, utility corridors, and smart parking.
In terms of waste management, the government has implemented door-to-door collection with segregation, deployed waste compactors, and introduced smart bins with real-time monitoring.
Also, for public safety, over 2,000 streetlights have been installed and CCTV coverage expanded citywide. Ramps, tactile paving, and safe pedestrian crossings have improved accessibility and safety. Underground power cabling over 11 km has replaced overhead lines to reduce electrical hazards. Fire safety has been enhanced with modern equipment and fire boats for Dal Lake.
Meanwhile, in Chanapora constituency, two major projects have been executed under the Smart City initiative in the past two years. These include the construction of an alternate road from Natipora Junction to Barzulla Bridge (Rs 7.64 crore) and the beautification and upgradation of Indira Gandhi Road (Rs 20.07 crore).
Moreover, the government also launched a Bicycle Sharing Scheme in 2023 under PPP mode, with Rs 4.14 crore allocated and Rs 1.20 crore released. The project became operational on May 20, 2023, and has generated Rs 4.48 lakh in revenue so far.
Pertinently, the construction of cycle tracks in Batamaloo, Hazratbal, and Lal Chowk constituencies under various Smart City projects has cost Rs 9.06 crore. (KNO)