Govt Undertaking Key Road Projects to Decongest Downtown Srinagar: Dy CM
Widening, Junction Redesigning Works Planned Across Major Corridors
Jammu, Feb 18, KNT: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government has undertaken several major road and corridor development projects to ease traffic congestion across downtown and key arterial routes in Srinagar district.
Replying to a question raised by Legislator Tanvir Sadiq, the Deputy Chief Minister said projects under various stages of execution include Nowshera to Soura KZP Road, Saida Kadal to Ashaibagh SMS Road, Devi Angan to Hawal Road, besides junction upgrades at Alamgiri Bazar Chowk and Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk.
He said the existing road alignments in downtown Srinagar are old and are struggling to cope with increased vehicular load, urban expansion and commercial activity, leading to severe congestion during peak hours. Routine maintenance and repairs are being carried out to ensure road safety and traffic movement, he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed that preliminary assessments for widening and upgradation have been conducted. However, comprehensive widening involves land acquisition, utility shifting and removal of encroachments, requiring inter-departmental coordination. He added that court litigations have also impacted progress in certain stretches.
He said structures near Nalbal Bridge on the Nowshera to Soura stretch have been acquired, while acquisition of remaining structures will proceed after High Level Committee deliberations and resolution of pending court cases.
A survey for widening the 1.75-km Saida Kadal to Ashaibagh road is underway, with a proposal to expand the carriageway from 7.5 metres to 21 metres. The Detailed Project Report will be submitted after completion of feasibility formalities.
The preliminary project report for widening and upgradation of the 1.40-km Devi Angan to 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.
He further said Alamgiri Bazar Chowk redevelopment has been approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for Rs 335 lakh, including acquisition of five structures, while MK Sahib Chowk junction redesigning has been cleared for Rs 135 lakh.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the government is aware of congestion challenges and the need to ensure smooth passage of ambulances, fire services and other emergency vehicles. He said upgradation works including resurfacing, strengthening, drainage correction and junction remodelling are being executed in a phased manner under R&B grants and other infrastructure schemes.
Supplementary questions were raised by Legislators Mubarik Gul and Shamim Firdous. [KNT]
