JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir government has undertaken several key road projects and corridor developments to improve traffic flow across downtown and arterial roads in Srinagar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary informed the Assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to a question by National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Choudhary said the government is aware of congestion issues in downtown Srinagar and the need to ensure smooth movement of ambulances, fire services and other emergency vehicles.
He said road upgradation works including resurfacing, strengthening, drainage correction and junction remodelling are being carried out in a phased manner under Roads and Buildings grants and other infrastructure development schemes.
The deputy chief minister said projects currently at various stages of execution include Nowshera–Soura (KZP Road), Saida Kadal–Ashaibagh (SMS Road), Devi Angan–Hawal Road, besides corridor improvements at Alamgiri Bazar Chowk and Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk.
He said old road stretches in downtown Srinagar are struggling to cope with rising traffic, urbanisation and commercial activity, leading to peak-hour congestion, adding that routine maintenance and necessary repairs are being undertaken periodically to ensure trafficability and road safety.
Choudhary said preliminary assessments for widening of identified stretches have been completed, but comprehensive widening involves land acquisition, shifting of utilities and removal of encroachments, requiring inter-departmental coordination. He added that land acquisition in certain stretches has also been affected by court cases.
Sharing project-wise details, he said structures near Nalbal Bridge on the Nowshera–Soura road have been acquired, while acquisition of remaining structures will be taken up after settlement through the High-Level Committee and resolution of pending litigation.
He said a survey for widening of Saida Kadal–Ashaibagh road is underway for a stretch of 1.75 km, proposing expansion of the carriageway from 7.5 metres to 21 metres, with a Detailed Project Report to be submitted after completion of survey and feasibility formalities.
The deputy chief minister said a preliminary project report for upgradation of Devi Angan–Hawal Road has been prepared under CRIF at an estimated cost of Rs 31.25 crore, including Rs 30 crore for land acquisition and utility shifting and Rs 1.25 crore for development works over 1.40 km. The project will be taken up subject to approval and availability of funds.
He further said the Alamgiri Bazar Chowk project has been approved under UT Sector 2025–26 for Rs 3.35 crore, including acquisition of five structures and junction redesigning, while Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk redesigning has been sanctioned for Rs 1.35 crore under the same sector. — (PTI)