Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha officially opened the first phase of the Tawi Riverfront Project on 15 April, developed at a cost of Rs 1.56 billion (Rs 1.56 bn) and implemented by Jammu Smart City Limited. The inauguration coincided with Baisakhi celebrations and formed part of a three day Tawi Mahotsav organised by the city authority. The project aims to revitalise the river corridor and enhance urban amenities for residents and visitors.

The development provides promenades along the left bank, the right bank and the central island of the Tawi River, forming four continuous stretches intended for walking, jogging and cycling. A dedicated ghat area for the sacred Tawi Aarti has been established to accommodate ritual activities. Support facilities and landscaping have been included to improve accessibility and public enjoyment.

At the event the lieutenant governor laid the foundation stone for a four lane connecting road and a bridge to link the right bank with Jewellery Chowk via Bhagwati Nagar rotary, measures intended to ease congestion on a critical city stretch. He also initiated the development of green spaces along a one kilometre promenade on the left bank to create a vibrant urban waterfront for residents and tourists. Under the Urban Challenge Fund two major projects were launched, namely real estate monetisation of Phase I and an extension of the riverfront from Bikram Chowk Bridge to Har Ki Paudi. Officials described these initiatives as pivotal to transforming the riverfront into a tourist destination, a recreational hub and a dynamic economic centre.

The lieutenant governor administered an anti drug pledge to citizens and honoured winners of a traditional dangal during the festivities. Senior political leaders, administrative officers, religious figures, local representatives and citizens from diverse backgrounds attended the ceremony. Among those present were Jugal Kishore Sharma, Sat Sharma, Satish Sharma, Sunil Sharma, Atal Dulloo, Shaleen Kabra and Mandeep Kaur, with other senior officials and members of the legislative assembly. The authorities indicated the works will proceed in phases to ensure integration with heritage values and contemporary urban needs.