Mohammad Hanief
Email: m.hanief@outlook.com | Twitter/X: @haniefmha
The twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir—Srinagar and Jammu—are undergoing a remarkable transformation. Steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, these urban centers are being reshaped into modern, inclusive, and sustainable cities under the Smart Cities Mission launched by the Government of India in 2015.
Since their selection in 2017, both cities have adopted this blueprint with vigour, with significant upgrades in infrastructure, mobility, technology, and public services. From digitized governance and eco-friendly transport to riverfront beautification and heritage preservation, the transformation touches every aspect of urban life.
Srinagar: Where Heritage Meets Smart Innovation
Often called the “Venice of the East,” Srinagar’s makeover focuses on being pedestrian-friendly, tech-integrated, and eco-conscious, while preserving its traditional character. Projects such as the Lal Chowk Redevelopment, Polo View Market pedestrianization, and the Jhelum Riverfront are examples of the city’s new face.
Smart bus services, e-parking, and widened footpaths improve mobility, while public parks, solar lighting, and smart water metering promote sustainability. Dal Lake conservation, digital civic services, and the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) point to a smart governance model rooted in cultural sensitivity.
Jammu: The Digital Rebirth of the City of Temples
In Jammu, the focus has been on connectivity, digital services, and heritage zone revitalization. Intelligent traffic systems, Tawi Riverfront Development, and smart bicycle stands aim to balance tradition with future-readiness.
The city now offers digital tax services, mobile apps for civic issues, and solar retrofitting in public buildings. Waste management systems, smart water meters, and historic site restoration—including Raghunath Bazaar and Mubarak Mandi—highlight Jammu’s multidimensional approach.
Shared Innovations Across Both Cities
Both capitals are embracing real-time monitoring, free public Wi-Fi, smart street lighting, and digital education infrastructure. Citizen engagement is central, with public input shaping initiatives through digital platforms and consultations.
The economic boost is notable: jobs in IT, urban planning, and hospitality are emerging, while improved tourism infrastructure is stimulating local businesses.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite rapid progress, hurdles like climatic constraints, inter-departmental delays, and heritage-modernization balance remain. Ensuring inclusive development in underprivileged areas is another pressing goal.
But with upcoming projects in smart tourism, urban farming, EV infrastructure, and climate-resilient design, Srinagar and Jammu are not just catching up—they are becoming models for modern urban India.
Conclusion: Two Capitals, One Future
The smart revival of Srinagar and Jammu is symbolic of Jammu and Kashmir’s wider journey toward peace, prosperity, and technological empowerment. These cities are evolving—not only through concrete and code, but through vision, participation, and sustainability.
As citizens embrace the change—whether walking along scenic riverfronts or using digitized services—they are stepping into a new era of empowered urban living.
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