Srinagar, Sep 1 (NVI) The Union Territory-level High Powered Steering Committee (UTHPSC), chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, has approved three major urban development projects worth Rs 2,692.58 crore under the Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), officials said on Tuesday.
The projects include TARANG (Tawi Area Regeneration and Green Growth) in Jammu, Walled City and Nigeen Lakefront Revitalisation in Srinagar, and KRIPA (Katra Revitalisation Through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities) in Reasi.
The projects aim to promote sustainable urban development by combining government funding with market-linked financing and private participation, the officials said.
TARANG, estimated to cost Rs 1,567.91 crore, envisages comprehensive regeneration of the Tawi riverfront and adjoining urban areas through public infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) based commercial development.
Under its proposed funding structure, Rs 307.05 crore each would come from the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, while Rs 953.81 crore would be mobilised through market and PPP financing.
The PPP component includes a residential group housing project, an upscale hotel, a retail mall and associated road infrastructure, besides a luxury resort on the Central Island. The project also includes river protection and structural works such as a diaphragm wall, embankment filling, retaining walls and interceptor drainage infrastructure.
The Walled City and Nigeen Lakefront Revitalisation project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,010.77 crore, seeks to rejuvenate Srinagar’s historic urban core and develop the economic potential of its lakefront areas.
Around Rs 300.77 crore would be utilised for core public infrastructure and revitalisation of the historic city, while the PPP component would support a Hospitality Centre, Pokribal Lakefront and a premium five-star boutique hotel.
The KRIPA project in Reasi, estimated at Rs 113.90 crore, focuses on improving pilgrim amenities, mobility management and institutional infrastructure in Katra.
A key component of the project is the Katra Gateway Centre, proposed as a mixed-use facility with pilgrim dormitories having 480 beds, guest rooms, retail outlets, a community dining hall and prayer spaces.
The project also includes a multi-level car parking facility with a capacity of 365 equivalent car spaces, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and dedicated bus bays near the Yatra Parchi Counter.
An allocation of Rs 15.25 crore has been earmarked for institutional remodelling, including modern office spaces, retail kiosks and upgraded administrative facilities for the Municipal Committee, Katra.
The committee emphasised timely and quality execution of the projects while ensuring their financial sustainability, officials said.
The initiatives are expected to boost urban infrastructure, mobility, tourism and economic activity while creating new public spaces and investment opportunities in Jammu, Srinagar and Katra.
Senior officers from the administration, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, and Commissioners of the Jammu and Srinagar municipal corporations attended the meeting.
