Jammu Kashmir Spends Nearly Rs 800 Cr on Smart City Projects Since 2018

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that an expenditure of Rs 792.92 crore has been incurred so far on the execution of Smart City projects across the Union Territory, reflecting a sharp rise in spending over the past seven years.

According to official data tabled in the Assembly, the spending on Smart City works has grown steadily—from Rs 8.86 crore in 2018-19 and Rs 8.34 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 247.02 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 265.08 crore in 2024-25. The current financial year, 2025-26, has already recorded an expenditure of Rs 78.98 crore.

The government said the Smart City Mission aims to create urban centres that offer robust infrastructure, a decent quality of life, and a clean, sustainable environment by adopting technology-driven ‘smart solutions’. The approach focuses on compact and inclusive urban development that can serve as a model for other aspiring cities.

Under the Mission, investments have been directed towards core services such as assured water and electricity supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient urban mobility, affordable housing, IT connectivity, e-governance, and citizen participation. The initiative also prioritises safety for women, children, and the elderly, along with improved access to healthcare and education.

The Housing and Urban Development Department said the Smart City projects are designed to encourage mixed land use, promote inclusive housing, and develop walkable and cyclable localities to reduce congestion and pollution. Preservation of open spaces like parks and playgrounds has also been emphasised to improve livability and environmental balance.

Other features of the Mission include promotion of multi-modal transport systems, transparent and citizen-friendly governance through digital platforms, and efforts to give each city a distinctive identity based on its cultural, craft, or economic strengths.

The government said that the adoption of smart infrastructure and management tools is aimed at making urban areas across Jammu and Kashmir more resilient, resource-efficient, and better equipped to meet the demands of modern living.
-x-