Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, June 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various Jammu Smart City Projects worth around Rs 97 crore.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor said that these projects, tapping the vast potential and liveliness of Jammu city will strengthen the infrastructure and improve the quality of life.
The Government is committed to transforming urban infrastructure, making cities sustainable, people-friendly, modern and aesthetically more beautiful. Jammu Smart City envisages development using modern technology, which is not only futuristic but also retains the invaluable heritage of this City of Temples, the Lt Governor added.
The projects that were inaugurated by the Lt Governor included Smart Public Bicycle Sharing Service and Smart Façade Lighting for Tawi Bridges having combined cost of Rs 14.06 crore. The Lt Governor laid the foundation stones for projects costing Rs 83.05 crore included Apsara Road and adjoining area development, and improvement of 23 important road junctions.
He observed that in J&K the development projects are being implemented at an unprecedented pace. Jammu and Srinagar cities will have air conditioned e-busses by October this year and soon our smart cities will also have Metro projects. H&UD Department would implement the project for development of housing & residential areas which will further accentuate J&K’s economy and provide affordable Housing solutions to common man, he said.
The Lt Governor set the timelines for the projects under Smart City and directed the concerned officers and agencies to adhere to the specified targets.
Elaborating on the Smart City Project, the Lt Governor said efforts are underway to make public places more friendly to people and to make the system of roads & transport better, smarter. After the completion of these projects, better facilities will be available to the people in the city of temples.
The Lt Governor underscored that the redevelopment of 23 junctions of the city including Satwari, Shakuntala, Karan Nagar, Panama Chowk junction etc. to be done at a cost of Rs 31.55 crore, would provide better street lights, footpaths, police shelters, water ATMs, bus stands and other public amenities to people.
It was informed that a complete modern development of Apsara Road and adjoining roads will be done at a cost of Rs.51.50 crores, that would revamp 13.64 km of outer road and 5.3 km of inner road, public amenities, drainage system and better footpaths for pedestrians.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament expressed gratitude towards Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for removing discrimination with Jammu Division that was prevalent before the abrogation of Art 370. There is no doubt that Jammu Kashmir is witnessing immense change of development and growth, he said.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor Jammu while speaking on the occasion said that Jammu Division is witnessing many development works. People are seeing balanced and holistic development of both regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary while speaking on the occasion said that today’s inaugurations and foundation laying is yet another step in the transformation of Jammu into a modern and self sustainable city. Soon Jammu City would expand and incorporate in it the adjoining areas like Akhnoor and Surinsar. Jammu Kashmir is witnessing immense change with increase in number of development projects being completed each year as compared to earlier, he added.
In his welcome address Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development gave the details of different projects of Jammu Smart City that are completed and are ongoing for socio-economic development, besides enhancing public facilities and conveniences. Rahul Yadav, Jammu Municipal Commissioner presented the vote of thanks.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
