Srinagar, Oct 5 (NVI) : The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the Common Duct Policy 2026 aimed at curbing repeated excavation of roads for laying and repairing utility networks and promoting coordinated infrastructure development across the Union Territory.
Under the policy, shared utility corridors will facilitate the integration of multiple services, including electricity, water supply, telecommunications, gas and digital infrastructure, officials said.
The framework provides for incorporation of common duct systems while developing new roads and phased retrofitting of suitable existing infrastructure, they said.
A key feature of the policy is a single-window mechanism for Right of Way (RoW) clearances, which is intended to streamline permissions for utility agencies and reduce delays in road-cutting and related infrastructure works.
The policy also envisages cost-sharing mechanisms among participating utility agencies and digital mapping of underground assets to maintain updated records of utility networks.
It further proposes the use of the ‘Call Before You Dig’ platform to enable agencies and contractors to identify existing underground utilities before carrying out excavation, thereby reducing the risk of damage to essential services.
The measures are expected to minimise repeated road digging, protect newly developed public infrastructure and lower operation and maintenance costs associated with underground utility networks, officials said.
The policy also seeks to reduce visual clutter arising from uncoordinated utility installations and promote more planned urban development across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while referring to the policy in a post on X, said the measures would help prevent repeated excavation of roads, protect public infrastructure and support planned urban growth and improved digital connectivity in the Union Territory.
The Common Duct Policy is expected to provide a coordinated framework for utility agencies and civic authorities and facilitate more organised and technology-enabled urban infrastructure development in J&K.—(NVI)
