Chief Minister Omar Abdullah embarked on an extensive early morning tour of Srinagar city on Wednesday, visiting all eight Assembly constituencies to assess the progress of ongoing development works, inspect key infrastructure projects, and evaluate the delivery of public facilities and civic amenities.
The Chief Minister’s tour commenced around 6:30 am, with visits to numerous major project sites spanning road and traffic infrastructure, healthcare facilities, heritage conservation efforts, sports amenities, and other urban development initiatives. During his inspections, he reviewed the physical progress of these projects alongside concerned officers and executing agencies. He emphasized the critical need for timely completion of all projects to ensure that their intended benefits are realized by the public without delay.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that at Barbar Shah in Habba Kadal, Chief Minister Abdullah personally inspected the site designated for a proposed multi-span bridge over Choont Khul. This significant project is designed to enhance connectivity to the historic Shehar-e-Khaas area and alleviate traffic congestion in the vicinity. The bridge, being executed by the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department, Srinagar Core Division, carries an estimated cost of Rs 32.50 crore. Its design adheres to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codal standards and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) specifications, with particular attention paid to the seismic resilience requirements for Seismic Zone-V. Officials briefed the Chief Minister that the new bridge is anticipated to facilitate smoother commutes for individuals traveling towards Shehar-e-Khaas, optimize traffic flow, improve overall road safety, and bolster urban mobility within the historic core of the city.
Further into his tour, the Chief Minister inspected the recently constructed building of the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Maharaj Gunj. This upgraded healthcare facility, situated in the heart of the historic Shehar-e-Khaas, aims to strengthen the delivery of primary healthcare services and enhance patient care through the provision of improved infrastructure. The project, estimated to cost Rs 262.54 lakh under the Union Territory’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budget, is being undertaken by the Public Works Department (R&B), Kashmir. Construction activities for this facility commenced in November 2024 and are scheduled for completion by November 20, 2026. During his on-site assessment of the medical facility, the Chief Minister received a detailed update on the progress of various construction elements. He was informed that the brickwork, internal plastering, door and window framework installation, tile work across all three floors, and window fixing have been successfully completed. Electrical works are reported to be approximately 85 percent complete, and the fire-fighting system has been fully installed. Additionally, the roofing of the adjacent building, designated as Structure-B, has also been finished, and overhead water tanks have been installed.
The Chief Minister’s comprehensive tour underscores the administration’s commitment to accelerating development and improving public services across Srinagar. The focus on key infrastructure, including bridges and healthcare facilities, highlights a strategic approach to urban planning and the enhancement of essential services for the city’s residents. The emphasis on timely completion of these projects signals a drive to ensure that public investments translate into tangible benefits for the community in a prompt manner. The inspection of the UPHC in Maharaj Gunj, in particular, points to a renewed focus on strengthening the primary healthcare network, a crucial component of urban public health infrastructure. The detailed progress reports provided to the Chief Minister indicate a structured approach to project management, with specific milestones being met and ongoing works being closely monitored. The inclusion of seismic zone considerations in the bridge design demonstrates adherence to modern engineering standards and a commitment to building resilient infrastructure. The overall initiative reflects a proactive governance approach, with the Chief Minister personally engaging with project sites to gain firsthand insights into the ground realities of development implementation in Srinagar.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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