Srinagar, Jan 06: Marking a significant stride towards urban development, the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) has completed 98 projects as part of the Smart City initiative which is a major achievement in enhancing the city’s infrastructure and amenities, officials said.
According to Athar Aamir Khan, CEO of SSCL and Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the completion of these projects is proof of the dedicated efforts of the authorities in realizing their vision for a smarter and more efficient Srinagar.
Since 2020, the SSCL has been actively working on various projects aimed at urban renewal and retrofitting, with 93 out of the total 152 projects already completed. Athar Aamir Khan expressed gratitude for the successful execution of the planned projects and highlighted that seven projects are ready for inauguration but are awaiting inauguration.
Speaking about the Smart City initiative, Khan stated, “Under the Smart City initiative, we have implemented numerous projects. Utilizing savings, we have incorporated an additional 20 to 30 projects, including the Goni Khan Market Project, Jamia Masjid Project, Jehangir Chowk Project, and others.”
The Commissioner also provided insights into ongoing and upcoming projects, emphasizing the commitment to completing them by June. “We are actively working on the riverfront view in downtown Srinagar, and significant progress has been made in Batmaloo, Qamarwari road, and other areas,” Khan added.
The Smart City Mission, launched by the Ministry of Urban Development, aims to select and develop 100 cities for urban renewal and retrofitting, promoting core infrastructure and smart solutions to improve the quality of life for citizens. The Srinagar Smart City project, approved in the Round 3 challenge in April 2017, comprises Area Based Development and Pan City Solutions with estimated costs of Rs. 2869.24 crores and Rs. 765.03 crores, respectively.
Srinagar Smart City Limited, established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Companies Act, 2013, operates under the governance of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the board is the Administrative Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, J&K. At the State Level, the High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC) for Smart City Srinagar is headed by the Chief Secretary, Government of J&K.
As the city anticipates the inauguration of the remaining projects, the completion of 98 projects showcases the dedication and progress made by the authorities towards making Srinagar a smarter and more livable city.
