Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) has resumed an article published in a local daily newspaper about Jhelum Riverfront Development on 28 July 2025, it has been called unbalanced and factually incorrect account, which has lacked verification and the tangible progress and public impact of the project.
In a statement released here, SSCL has clarified the development and intentions made by SSCL under the Smart Cities Mission.
Left Bank: From the Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal (2.5 km), out of a total of 2.5 km stretch from zero bridge to Amira Kadal, the entire left bank was fully completed and dedicated to the public by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor on 20-05-2023. Since its inauguration, the left bank has converted into a lively and inclusive public place, actively used by both residents and visitors.
Advanced left bank contains the following key features. Continuous pedestrians, accessible and landslide green space, on-world parking facilities, storewater drainage corridors, underground and rationalization of electrical and telecom utilities, development of public utilities, modern toilets, high-disintealing roads through deer ramps, identification of place and dominant signature, universal access, universal access, universal access, universal access, universal access, universal access, universal access Interactive seating integrated
The primary objective of intervention is to increase public access, safety and purpose, especially for persons with disabilities and elderly. Prior to intervening, Riverbank lacked pedestrian infrastructure, was closed, and was largely inaccessible.
The article fails to accept a significant increase in daily public activity with the Left – a change that was not seen earlier.
Similarly, in the case of The Right Bank: Heritage Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal, Right Bank’s first full stretch, which is about 800 meters from Heritage Zero Bridge to General Post Office (GPO), was formally inaugurated by Honorable Lieutenant Governor at 01-11-2023.
There have been major improvements in access and utility in this part. The existing access points were upgraded, and the new pedestrian access was created, especially from TRC to Heritage Emporium, which was previously filled with debris, unused place.
A large surface parking facility was developed under the fruitless place of Abdullah Bridge. Modern public toilet facilities were added to support visitors and improve hygiene.
This stretch has quickly become a vibrant hotspot for public use and cultural interactions, especially during the evening.
The remaining stretch of the right bank from GPO towards Amira Kadal is in its final stages. The components that have already completed include the laying of underground electric ducts, a wide, constant pedestrian walkway, development of walkway with river age, upgrade from many streets including GPO lane, polo view road, SBI Lane etc.
In addition, the work currently going on and executed on the basis of fast-track includes landscaps, commissioning of underground electric network and installation of seater and fixing in addition to fixing.
The Jhelum Riverfront Development Project has been executed with ecological sensitivity, urban inclusion and focus on cultural revival. It has already converted the banks of the inaccessible and neglected river into a safe, accessible and lively public places, promoting civil pride and improves the quality of life.
The legend of the article ignores the visual and average progress under the initiative, and incorrectly reduces a project that benefits the people of Srinagar.
