Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 26 : Srinagar, the summer capital of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed transformation and makeover under the Smart City Mission in 2024. With a focus on eco-friendly mobility, urban development and technological innovation, the city has seen noticeable changes.
However, according to the news agency – Kashmir News Observer (KNO), criticism regarding planning, execution and delays has highlighted the need for more inclusive and efficient project management.
*Eco-Friendly Public Transport: Success & Shortfalls*
The launch of Srinagar’s eco-friendly electric bus service in late 2023 marked a significant change in sustainable urban mobility. In 2024, these buses transported over 61 lakh passengers, with September recording the highest ridership of 7.2 lakh passengers.
While the initiative has been lauded for reducing emissions and providing safe, modern transit options, residents in peripheral areas criticized the limited routes and lack of availability. Authorities acknowledged the issue and announced plans to expand the fleet by 100 more buses, though the timeline for this expansion remains uncertain.
*Cashless Travel & Real-Time Tracking*
The introduction of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in August 2024 allowed cashless transactions. However, some commuters pointed out the high initial cost of the card and limited public awareness campaigns, which may have hindered its broader adoption.
*Urban Infrastructure Overhaul: Beauty Amid Discontent*
Projects like revamped Polo View High Street, landscaped Jhelum Riverfront and renovated Clock Tower are visible makeovers. However, the execution of these projects has not been without criticism.
Critics argue that the timing and planning of construction have caused undue inconvenience to residents and businesses. The reduction of road space for vehicles to create pedestrian-friendly pathways, while aligned with global urban planning trends, has been particularly contentious.
“Reducing carriageway width has led to massive traffic jams, especially during peak hours,” locals said.
Others questioned prioritising the beautification projects over essential services like traffic management and waste disposal.
*Traffic Management Woes*
One of the most criticised aspects of the Smart City initiative in 2024 has been the non-functional Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). Traffic lights installed at key intersections remain inoperable, forcing traffic police to manually manage congestion.
“Travelling through intersections like Shaletnag Chowk and MA Road has become a nightmare due to diversions and delays,” many aggrieved commuters said.
However, authorities at Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) this month announced the launch of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) alongside an e-Challan system in Srinagar City.
SSCL authorities said smart traffic signals Intelligent controllers will optimize signal timings based on real-time conditions, minimizing delays.
They said that with the automated Rule Enforcement feature, over 1,050 cameras will ensure compliance with rules, detecting violations like red-light jumping, overspeeding, mobile use, helmetless riding and more.
*Incomplete projects*
Of the 142 projects under the Smart City Mission, 123 have been completed. Yet, residents criticized the frequent extensions of deadlines and disruptions caused by prolonged construction work. However, the officials expressed confidence that the remaining projects are likely to be finished by early 2025.
“Many of these projects were announced years ago, but we’re still waiting for their completion,” local businessmen in the city centre said.
As per the officials, with an estimated budget of Rs 1,000 crore, approximately 75% of the allocated funds have been utilised so far, with the remaining budget left for the pending projects.
Among the completed projects, officials highlighted the revamped Polo View High Street, Clock Tower in the city centre and the landscaped Jhelum Riverfront Embankments. Refurbished prominent landmarks have enhanced the city’s aesthetics and public spaces.
*Bicycles and challenges*
Launched in 2023 to promote eco-friendly cycling under the Srinagar Smart City Project, of over 1000 bicycles, over 380 have been vandalized, and more than five have been stolen by ‘miscreants’, according to officials.
“These bicycles not only promote eco-friendly transport and a clean environment but also contribute to public health,” the officials said.
According to the officials, docking stations, placed throughout Srinagar, vary in holding capacity from 5 to 20 cycles.
*The road ahead*
Despite the criticism, authorities at the Srinagar Smart City Mission said they have made notable progress. They are optimistic about completing the remaining 19 projects by early 2025, including modern bus stops, operational traffic systems, and expanded bus fleets.
Authorities said the mission’s successes in eco-friendly mobility, heritage conservation and urban beautification have laid a foundation for a more sustainable Srinagar.
However, addressing public grievances, improving planning processes, and ensuring timely project delivery will be critical to regaining public trust and achieving the initiative’s full potential—(KNO)
