Srinagar transforms into smart city, at par with metropolitan cities

14 Apr 2023 CW Team

Almost 80 construction projects are now underway throughout the city. Major roads, footpaths, cycle tracks, drainage systems, and other areas of Srinagar are now being renovated. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir would have a fresh appearance after the work is finished, with improved amenities and a clean atmosphere.

The project's total budget, according to the officials, is Rs 30 billion out of which Rs 20 billion has already been given to line departments who are collaborating with Smart City Limited on a number of initiatives, while Smart City Limited itself has a budget of about Rs 10 billion. The project consists of a number of cross-city initiatives aimed at strengthening urban mobility, repairing roads, and modernising public transportation facilities all around the city.

Since a number of hip malls have popped up over the past three years, the government has set out on a mission to remove the scars of the past. Older buildings have undergone renovation and refurbishment. Many tourists are flocking to a tranquil and revitalised Srinagar, which is giving the area's economy a much-needed boost. In many respects, the present smart city initiative is a step towards reviving the old Srinagar, when everything was so peaceful.

Importantly, Srinagar was granted membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in November 2021 for its achievements in craft and folk art. Out of 49 cities listed worldwide, it was the only one in India to receive this honour. This network included 246 cities in total as of 2021. The goal is to create resilient, sustainable, and future-proof cities. Locally, Srinagar is supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations.

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir has finally caught up to India's major cities, thanks to Srinagar's transformation from a devastated city to a smart city. In the past three years, neither a shutdown nor a stone-pelting incident had been seen in Srinagar. No separatist has also given a lecture to encourage sedition, secession, or to disturb the peace. Instead, the city has grown lively and has continued to be busy. It has rediscovered its appeal and is prepared to host the G20 summit in May of this year. Almost 80 construction projects are now underway throughout the city. Major roads, footpaths, cycle tracks, drainage systems, and other areas of Srinagar are now being renovated. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir would have a fresh appearance after the work is finished, with improved amenities and a clean atmosphere. The project's total budget, according to the officials, is Rs 30 billion out of which Rs 20 billion has already been given to line departments who are collaborating with Smart City Limited on a number of initiatives, while Smart City Limited itself has a budget of about Rs 10 billion. The project consists of a number of cross-city initiatives aimed at strengthening urban mobility, repairing roads, and modernising public transportation facilities all around the city. Since a number of hip malls have popped up over the past three years, the government has set out on a mission to remove the scars of the past. Older buildings have undergone renovation and refurbishment. Many tourists are flocking to a tranquil and revitalised Srinagar, which is giving the area's economy a much-needed boost. In many respects, the present smart city initiative is a step towards reviving the old Srinagar, when everything was so peaceful. Importantly, Srinagar was granted membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in November 2021 for its achievements in craft and folk art. Out of 49 cities listed worldwide, it was the only one in India to receive this honour. This network included 246 cities in total as of 2021. The goal is to create resilient, sustainable, and future-proof cities. Locally, Srinagar is supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations.