Smart Cities in Bloom: Srinagar and Jammu redefine urban transformation- Mohammad Hanief
Mohammad Hanief/ June 14,2025
The cities of Srinagar and Jammu, the summer and winter capitals of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, are witnessing a profound transformation. Long steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, these two urban centers are now undergoing a revival of a different kind—one defined by technology, sustainability, and citizen-centric governance. Under India’s Smart Cities Mission, both Srinagar and Jammu are being reimagined as modern, inclusive, and sustainable urban ecosystems.
What was once a vision on paper has begun taking visible shape on the ground. New roads, revitalized riverfronts, digitized services, and improved public infrastructure now point toward a brighter, more connected future. The revival is not just infrastructural—it is economic, environmental, and deeply social.
Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission by the government of India aimed to develop 100 cities across the country that provide core infrastructure, clean and sustainable environments, and decent quality of life through the application of smart solutions. In 2017, Jammu and Srinagar were selected under this ambitious mission.
While each city has its unique character—Srinagar with its iconic lakes and gardens, and Jammu with its historic temples and trading heritage—both have embraced the smart city blueprint with equal vigour.
Srinagar: Technology Meets Tradition
Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Srinagar is now blending its rich heritage with forward-looking urban reforms. The Smart City Mission in Srinagar has focused on making the city resilient, pedestrian-friendly, tech-integrated, and more sustainable, without compromising its cultural ethos.
To reduce congestion and encourage eco-friendly mobility, Srinagar has built dedicated non-motorized transport (NMT) corridors, smart parking systems, and widened footpaths in core city areas. Projects like the LalChowk Redevelopment, Polo View Market pedestrianization, and redesigned city squares are not only improving mobility but also enhancing aesthetics.
The smart e-bus service, coupled with intelligent traffic management systems, is slowly reshaping how residents and visitors move around the city.
The Smart City project has taken major strides in beautifying and reclaiming neglected public spaces. The Jhelum Riverfront Development is a prime example—stretching several kilometers, it now boasts walkways, ornamental lighting, seating areas, and landscaping.Public parks have been upgraded with open gyms, Wi-Fi hotspots, children’s play areas, and amp hitheaters to foster community interaction.
Given its ecological sensitivity, sustainability lies at the core of Srinagar’s transformation. The city has installed solar lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart water metering in pilot zones.
The Dal Lake conservation effort has been strengthened under Smart City and allied environmental missions through silt removal, waste management around the lake, and houseboat waste disposal systems.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation has digitized multiple services including birth and death certificates, property tax payments, building plan approvals, and grievance redressal systems. The launch of an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) enables real-time monitoring of traffic, utilities, and emergency response.
Jammu: Gateway to the North Gets a Digital Makeover
Known as the “City of Temples,” Jammu is also rapidly transforming under the Smart Cities Mission. With a strong focus on improving connectivity, digitizing services, and revamping heritage zones, Jammu is evolving into a modern city that respects its roots.
Smart City projects in Jammu have led to the upgrading of several key roads, junctions, and flyovers. The city now features intelligent traffic management, smart signalling systems, and digital bus stop displays to provide real-time transit information.
The introduction of smart bicycle stands and proposals for an urban light rail transit system reflect Jammu’s growing ambition to promote low-emission public transport.
One of the most transformative projects is the Tawi Riverfront Development, which is modelled on the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. This initiative aims to convert the previously neglected riverbanks into a vibrant public space featuring walkways, parks, cycling tracks, and cultural activity zones.
Phase 1 of the project has already improved flood management and urban landscaping, while simultaneously offering citizens a recreational escape within the city.
The Jammu Smart City Ltd. (JSCL) has introduced a host of digital services for citizens—from online property tax and utility bill payments to mobile applications for civic services and feedback. Public buildings are being retrofitted with solar energy solutions, and the city’s water supply is being digitized through real-time monitoring and smart meters.
Waste management systems are also being modernized with segregation plants, door-to-door collection, and GPS-tracked garbage vehicles.
Jammu’s development plan includes heritage conservation of historic temples and old city markets. Areas such as Raghunath Bazaar and Mubarak Mandi Complex are being restored and equipped with modern amenities to boost religious and heritage tourism without compromising cultural value.
Common Innovations in Both Cities
Both Srinagar and Jammu have implemented a range of shared “smart” innovations that are improving quality of life which includes real-time monitoring hubs for traffic, law enforcement, waste, and utilities, providing free or low-cost internet in key public spaces, replacing old systems with energy-efficient, sensor-based lighting, digital learning infrastructure in government schools and enhancing security and managing crowds.
One of the defining principles of the Smart Cities Mission is citizen participation. Both cities have adopted open and transparent consultation processes, inviting public input through digital platforms, community meetings, and social media feedback.
Mobile apps and web portals allow citizens to register complaints, suggest improvements, and stay updated on project timelines. This people-first approach ensures accountability and better alignment of projects with actual community needs.
The smart city revival is not only improving infrastructure but also driving economic growth. Construction, urban design, IT services, and hospitality sectors have all seen new opportunities.
Urban renewal projects have created thousands of jobs, particularly in skilled and semi-skilled sectors. Moreover, the enhancement of tourism infrastructure is attracting more visitors, creating a multiplier effect in local businesses such as transport, food, crafts, and accommodation.
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Both cities face climatic constraints—Srinagar with harsh winters and floods, and Jammu with extreme heat and urban sprawl. Delays in tendering, cost escalations, and inter-departmental coordination issues have occasionally slowed implementation.
There are also concerns about ensuring long-term maintenance of new assets and balancing modernization with heritage conservation. Finally, achieving inclusive growth, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods, remains a work in progress.
As Srinagar and Jammu inch closer to completing their smart city projects, they are emerging as models of transformation for other Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Their revival showcases how cities with distinct cultural identities can adopt modern technology and sustainable practices without losing their essence.
With plans for smart tourism, electric vehicle infrastructure, urban farming, and climate-resilient development, both cities are not just catching up with urban India—they are helping redefine what a modern Indian city can look like.
Conclusion: Two Capitals, One Future
The revival of Srinagar and Jammu as smart cities is a milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s broader journey toward peace, prosperity, and progress. These once-troubled yet beautiful cities are being reborn—not through concrete alone, but through vision, technology, participation, and sustainable planning.
As citizens walk along new riverfronts, log into digital services, or cycle on green corridors, they aren’t just navigating smarter cities—they’re living in a new era of empowered urban life.
NOTE: The views expressed by the writer are personal. The author can be mailed at [email protected] Twitter/ X: @haniefmha
