An in-depth look at the ambitions, achievements, and obstacles in transforming Srinagar into a truly smart, sustainable, and citizen-friendly metropolis
The concept of a “Smart City” has gained global prominence as urban centres strive to become more sustainable, efficient, and livable through innovative technologies and integrated planning. In India, the Smart Cities Mission aims to transform selected cities into model urban hubs that leverage technology to improve infrastructure, services, and quality of life.
Srinagar, one of the key cities under this initiative, has embarked on a journey towards becoming a “Smart City”, but the path has been fraught with challenges and debates. This article explores the vision, achievements, and ongoing concerns surrounding the UNSMART City of Srinagar, providing a comprehensive overview of its efforts to redefine urban living through smart solutions.
The UNSMART City of Srinagar
It is said that the word SMART stands for:
* Specific: The objective should be clear so that anyone can understand what will be done and who will do it.
* Measurable: There should be evidence that can be tracked to monitor progress.
* Achievable: The goal should be realistic and possible to complete or maintain within the set time frame.
* Relevant: The goal should align with values and long-term goals and objectives.
* Time-bound: The goal should be set within an appropriate time frame.
The SMART framework is commonly used in various fields, including project management, employee performance management, and personal development.
SMART can also be an acronym for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology, a technology used in computer hard drives.
It has been said that the SMART City Mission was launched by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) of the Government of India (GOI), in which 100 cities were to be selected for urban renewal and retrofitting, with the objective of promoting cities that provide core infrastructure, offer a decent quality of life to their citizens, and apply smart solutions to improve services and infrastructure. It is also stated that the Srinagar Smart City project was approved in the Round 3 challenge held in April 2017. The smart city project comprises two parts: (a) Area-Based Development with an estimated cost of Rs. 2,869.24 crore and (b) Pan-city Solutions with an estimated cost of Rs. 765.03 crore.
It was observed that on September 8, 2017, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) was incorporated as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Companies Act, 2013, as a company limited by shares. SSCL is governed by the Board of Directors, with its Chairman being the Administrative Secretary, J&K H&UDD. In the case of the State Level High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC) for Smart City, Srinagar, it is headed by the Chief Secretary, Government of J&K.
It was said that SSCL’s mission envisions transforming Srinagar into an eco-friendly, resilient, and socioeconomically vibrant city, celebrating its natural and cultural heritage, and creating harmony and opportunities for all. It also aspires to leverage its natural and cultural heritage/tourism through innovative and inclusive solutions, thereby enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
A Smart City is supposed to be an urban region that is highly advanced in terms of overall infrastructure, sustainable real estate, communications, and market viability. It is intended to be a city where information technology is the principal infrastructure and the basis for providing essential services to residents. Many technological platforms are involved, such as automated sensor networks and data centres. This is likely to become a reality as the “Smart Cities” movement unfolds in India.
In 2008, IBM, when the world was facing one of the worst economic crises, started to work on the ‘Smarter Cities’ concept. This concept entered the imagination of various nations around the globe, resulting in significant investments by countries such as the UAE, South Korea, and China. Today, we observe numerous precedents like those in Vienna, Aarhus, Amsterdam, Malta, the Songdo International Business District near Seoul, Verona, and GIFT City.
Regarding India’s Smart City Mission, it is understood to be an urban renewal and retrofitting programme by the GOI, with a mission to develop 100 cities. The responsibility for implementing the mission rests with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The stated objectives are to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, offer a decent quality of life, ensure a clean and sustainable environment, and apply ‘Smart’ solutions.
The J&K Union Territory (UT) has been fortunate to have the twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu selected for this purpose. However, proper implementation has become questionable.
Some typical features of comprehensive development in Smart Cities are as follows:
TARGETS:
* To promote mixed land use in area-based developments—planning for unplanned areas containing a range of compatible activities and land uses close to one another, thereby making land use more efficient. States will enable some flexibility in land use and building bye-laws to adapt to change.
* To expand housing opportunities for all. Create walkable localities, reduce congestion, air pollution, and resource depletion; boost the local economy; promote interactions; and ensure security. The road network should be created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport but also for pedestrians and cyclists, with necessary administrative services within walking or cycling distance.
* To preserve and develop open spaces—parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces—to enhance the quality of life, reduce urban heat effects, and promote ecological balance.
* To promote Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), public transport, and last-mile connectivity.
* To make governance citizen-friendly and cost-effective, relying increasingly on online services to bring accountability and transparency, especially through mobile applications, to reduce service costs and facilitate service delivery without the need to visit municipal offices. E-groups can be formed to listen to the public and obtain feedback, and online monitoring of programmes and activities can be implemented with the aid of cyber tours of work sites.
* To give the city an identity based on main economic activities, such as local cuisine, health, education, arts and crafts, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textiles, dairy, etc.
* To apply smart solutions in infrastructure and services within area-based developments to improve them, for instance, making areas less vulnerable to disasters, using fewer resources, and providing more affordable services.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Media reports indicate that Jammu & Kashmir has completed 90% of its Smart Cities Mission (SCM) projects, with 288 projects worth Rs. 6,597 crore sanctioned for the Union Territory under the initiative, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha. The data reveals that 127 projects worth Rs. 2,969 crore were sanctioned for Jammu Smart City, while 161 projects worth Rs. 3,627 crore were allocated for Srinagar Smart City. The Central Government has provided Rs. 856 crore in financial assistance for both cities, with Jammu receiving Rs. 440 crore and Srinagar Rs. 416 crore. The fund utilisation percentage for J&K under the mission stands at 90.1%.
Various infrastructure and urban development projects have been undertaken under the Smart Cities Mission in Jammu and Srinagar, focusing on road and traffic management improvements, upgrading public transport systems, developing pedestrian-friendly spaces and walkways, implementing smart surveillance and security infrastructure, and enhancing waste management and sanitation initiatives.
It is reported that the implementation of Smart City projects in J&K has faced challenges, including land acquisition issues, delays in obtaining clearances, and limited availability of vendors and resources in some areas.
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has established a multi-level review system to monitor progress and address delays in project execution.
According to an RTI reply, 131 projects have been completed so far, with work currently underway on 10 additional projects. These initiatives aim to enhance public infrastructure, urban services, and the overall environment of Srinagar. However, SSCL has clarified that there is no separate category dedicated solely to beautification; instead, all projects are integrated, with beautification and urban enhancements incorporated into broader development goals.
Regarding employment generation, SSCL stated that it does not maintain specific records of jobs created under the mission, as most work is executed through third-party contractors. While some contractual employment data may exist, it is not maintained in a format recognised under the RTI Act.
Concerning revenue generated from Smart City projects across Jammu & Kashmir, SSCL mentioned that the data is currently being prepared by the Accounts Officer. On employee accountability, SSCL stated that none of the current employees have pending cases with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Crime Branch, or any police authority. It was also noted that two cases are pending against former employees who have resigned. There have been no suspensions from 2019 to 2025, and staffing gaps have been managed through deputations or additional responsibilities assigned to existing staff.
Regarding unutilised funds, SSCL reported “NIL”, confirming that all allocated funds have been utilised within the stipulated timelines. This underscores ongoing progress under the Smart City mission and efforts to improve governance, infrastructure, and service delivery in Srinagar.
The data reveals that 127 projects worth Rs. 2,969 crore were sanctioned for Jammu Smart City, while 161 projects worth Rs. 3,627 crore were allocated for Srinagar Smart City.
The Central Government has provided Rs. 856 crore in financial assistance for both cities, with Jammu receiving Rs. 440 crore and Srinagar Rs. 416 crore. The fund utilisation percentage for J&K under the mission remains at 90.1%.
In summary, various infrastructure and urban development projects in Jammu and Srinagar focus on road and traffic management improvements, upgrading public transport, developing pedestrian-friendly spaces, installing smart surveillance and security infrastructure, and improving waste management and sanitation.
It has been reported that the implementation of Smart City projects in J&K faces challenges such as land acquisition issues, delays in clearances, and limited vendor and resource availability.
The MoHUA has established a multi-level review system to monitor progress and address project delays (KNO).
PUBLIC RESPONSE:
In a recent panel discussion organised by a media channel, representatives from various walks of life commented on the pros and cons of the Srinagar Smart City Project. The questions raised included:
1) Why was there no public consultation before launching the project?
2) Why was public opinion not invited within a specified timeframe, as is done with the Srinagar Master Plan?
3) Srinagar does not consist only of Maulana Azad Road, Residency Road, and Boulevard; it spans 294 sq. km, including vital roads like KZP Road, Alijan Road, and the 90 ft: corridor, Nallah Mar Road, and other internal roads connecting all bridges over the Jhelum River.
4) Many footpaths either do not exist or violate IRC specifications, often exceeding 9 inches in height and touching up to 2 feet. Several people have injured their ankles by jumping down from these. Additionally, connections near roadside gates are not provided with smooth slopes from footpaths. Violators of IRC specifications should be held accountable, and the costs of rectifying these deficiencies should be recovered from them to serve as a deterrent.
5) Although the project claims to focus on road and traffic management, most interior city roads, including some vital ones, remain untouched. It appears SSCL has limited its programme to a restricted area rather than the entire city. Widening of several roads under the Urban Renewal Programme (Circular Road System) is still pending, and many bottlenecks remain unaddressed.
6) For effective road management, full-width carriageways must be ensured along the entire alignment, with well-designed intersections featuring roundabouts for smooth vehicle movement. Proper bus bays with passenger shelters should be provided on all roads, and land should be acquired in the public interest for this purpose. Bus timings should be displayed for public convenience. All footpaths built in violation of IRC standards must be dismantled and reconstructed to prevent accidents and inconvenience. Currently, roads lack pedestrian signals, causing pedestrians to sometimes perform unsafe movements amid moving traffic.
7) Transport operators feel sidelined by the introduction of smart buses, as most passengers prefer them, despite their punctuality issues.
8) Shopkeepers in Polo View are upset because the floor levels of their shops, which were higher than the footpath, have been lowered by two feet, resulting in damage to goods during rainfall and snowfall. They claim their protests have been ignored by the authorities and contractors.
9) Waste management has been a complete failure. Contrary to the recommendations of renowned consultants in the original DPR phases 1 and 2, the SMC has not erected Mechanical Compost Plants at the designated landfill sites. Instead, they have wasted about 500 kanals of wetland at Achan Syedpora, leading to insanitary landfills, foul odours, and the spread of diseases, including those monitored at SKIMS.
10) The tourist city lacks world-class sanitation facilities. The Mughal Gardens, despite earning significant entry fees, are poorly maintained. Similarly, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other major roads lack clean, well-maintained toilets.
11) Reports indicate that Divri kerb stones dismantled from existing roads have mysteriously vanished overnight. This issue warrants investigation, and culprits should be held accountable. Divri stone, a high-quality limestone, could have eliminated the need to import costly corbel stone from Rajasthan, used in cement manufacturing.
12) Establishing a BIS-licensed Material Testing Laboratory is essential for testing construction materials before use, as per BIS standards—a vital requirement for engineers, who should possess a copy of the BIS Code of Practice. Currently, BIS-licensed labs are located only in Roorkee and Delhi.
13) The highest priority in the Smart City should be given to drainage and sewerage projects, as development efforts are futile if city areas flood during even small rains. The sewerage and drainage schemes devised in the 1980s by UEED need upgrading and proper funding; without this, flooding will persist.
14) During road macadamisation, old surface materials are often not recycled as recommended by BIS. Instead, road levels tend to rise, lowering surrounding compounds and entrances—this practice is not followed outside J&K.
15) Approximately 21 sq. km of Dal Lake and other shrinking wetlands are neglected in development plans. Encroachments and pollution treatments for these water bodies have been largely ignored.
16) Little attention appears to have been paid to developing heritage sites and promoting cultural activities, as envisaged in the SSCL agenda.
17) Politicians tend to blame each other for past inactions, but such political blame-shifting does little to resolve the pressing issues.
18) The public also complains about poor workmanship, citing hurried completion of works related to the upcoming 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting scheduled from 22nd to 24th May 2023.
19) Citizens demand transparency regarding expenditure details, as they believe figures are exaggerated.
20) Ultimately, the effectiveness of the multi-level review system established by MoHUA to monitor progress and resolve delays will determine whether Srinagar’s vision of a Smart City remains a realisation or a distant dream.
The writer is a former Chief Engineer
Ashraf Fazili
sh*************@***il.com