Srinagar, Nov 15: Srinagar Smart City Limited is gearing up to launch a battery-powered boat system in early 2024, marking a significant step in reshaping the city’s transportation and revitalizing historical water passages. The initiative aims to cater to the commuting needs of residents around Dal Lake and connect cultural landmarks along the Jhelum riverbanks.
The ambitious plan includes deploying 32 battery-powered boats across five basins of Dal Lake, covering Nehru Park, Nishat Bagh, Hazratbal, Nigeen, and Barari Nambal basins. Dredging along key water routes, such as the Dalgate-Rainawari path, will restore access to areas like Shalimar Garden, reinstating historical connections exclusive to lake travel.
Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of Planning at Srinagar Smart City Limited, expressed readiness for this transformative project, noting that the approval process for boat prototypes is in its final stages. The project, which has already been tendered out, is set to commence soon, with the launch of two boat types accommodating eight and 20 passengers in the initial phase next year.
Malhotra emphasised the commitment to the project’s success, aiming to make water transport a viable alternative for residents and visitors, thereby alleviating congestion and offering a sustainable public transportation mode. The initiative also signifies the reopening of Dal Lake’s rear waters to visitors, providing a unique experience reminiscent of the Mughal era when empresses used these waterways to access gardens at the foothills of Zabarwan.
This venture aligns with ongoing beautification efforts at Dal Lake, highlighting officials’ priority in preserving and enhancing the cultural and historical significance of this iconic water body.
