Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Jun 29 : Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Dr Owais on Saturday said that over 95 percent of the work on Srinagar Smart City projects is complete, with only finishing touches remaining.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Owais said, “Over 95% of projects are complete, however, there is a finishing touch ongoing which will be completed very soon. Blacktopping of roads has also already been taken up and almost completed.”
He said that major works like sewerage lines, drainage lines, and electricity lines were completed as per the set deadline. “The finishing touches on these projects would be completed soon,” he added.
Responding to a question about the sluggish traffic movement on some stretches of Srinagar city, the CEO said they have already completed the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). However, due to some ongoing infrastructural works, it has not been fully implemented, he said.
“ITMS will be looked after by the traffic department; however, due to some works, it has not been fully implemented. Its implementation will definitely help in making traffic movement smooth,” Dr Owais said.
Notably, the deadline for the Srinagar Smart City projects was set for June 2024. While several projects have been praised for their achievements, there has also been criticism, particularly regarding the road management programme.
Critics argue that the narrowing of carriageways and the widening of footpaths have contributed to slower traffic movement, especially during peak hours and weekends.
In response to these concerns, the authorities at the Srinagar Smart City project have asserted that a proper mechanism was followed during the planning phase. They said the new road design is intended to prevent vehicle parking on the roads—(KNO)
