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SRINAGAR: Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) has rebutted the article published in local daily newspaper on 28th July 2025 concerning the Jhelum Riverfront Development, terming it an unbalanced and factually inaccurate account, lacking verifiable information and ignoring the project’s tangible progress and public impact. In a statement issued here, SSCL has clarified the status and intent of the development undertaken by SSCL under the Smart Cities Mission.
Left Bank: from Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal (2.5 km), out of the total 2.5 km stretch from Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal, the entire Left Bank has been fully completed and was dedicated to the public by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor on 20-05-2023. Since its inauguration, the Left Bank has transformed into a vibrant and inclusive public space, actively used by both residents and visitors throughout the day.
The upgraded Left Bank includes the following key features viz. continuous pedestrian promenade, accessible and landscaped green spaces, dedicated on-street parking facilities, stormwater drainage corridor, undergrounding and rationalization of electric and telecom utilities, development of public utilities, including modern toilets, high-quality street illumination, place identification and directional signage, universal access through kerb ramps and upgradation of heritage ghats with barrier-free entry, besides protection of existing trees integrated with interactive seating
The primary objective of the intervention has been to enhance public accessibility, safety, and usability, particularly for persons with disabilities and the elderly. Prior to the intervention, the riverbank lacked pedestrian infrastructure, was fenced off, and remained largely inaccessible. The article fails to acknowledge the significant increase in daily public activity along the Left Bank—a transformation not previously witnessed.
Similarly in the case of the Right Bank: Heritage Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal, the first completed stretch of the Right Bank, measuring approximately 800 meters from Heritage Zero Bridge to the General Post Office (GPO), was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor on 01-11-2023. This portion has seen major improvements in access and utility. Existing access points were upgraded, and new pedestrian access was created, notably from TRC to the Heritage Emporium, replacing what was previously a debris-filled, unused space.
A large surface parking facility was developed under the redundant space of Abdullah Bridge. Modern public toilet facilities were added to support visitors and improve sanitation. This stretch has quickly become a vibrant hotspot for public use and cultural interaction, especially during evenings.
The remaining stretch of the Right Bank from GPO towards Amira Kadal is in its final stages of completion. The components that have already been completed include laying of underground electric ducts, development of a wide, continuous pedestrian walkway, development of walkway along the river edge, upgradation of accesses from multiple lanes including GPO Lane, Polo View Road, SBI lane etc., development of kiosks and development of entry plazas.
Besides, the works that are currently underway and are being executed on a fast-track basis include landscaping, commissioning of the underground electric network and commissioning of illumination besides installation and fixing of seaters.
The Jhelum Riverfront Development Project has been executed with a focus on ecological sensitivity, urban inclusivity, and cultural revival. It has transformed previously inaccessible and neglected riverbanks into safe, accessible, and vibrant public spaces, fostering civic pride and improving quality of life. The article’s narrative ignores the visible and measurable progress made under the initiative, and unfairly undermines a project that continues to benefit the people of Srinagar.
