Rs 11 crore civic push for Baramulla as 5 key infrastructure projects get nod

Baramulla, Jun 1: In a major push towards urban development, five key infrastructure projects worth over ₹11 crore have been approved for Baramulla town for the financial year 2026–27, aimed at improving civic amenities and addressing long-pending urban challenges.

The approved projects are expected to tackle issues related to traffic congestion, drainage, pedestrian safety, parking shortages and public convenience across the town.

Among the major initiatives is the construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge near the Women’s College at an estimated cost of Rs 2.40 crore. The bridge is expected to ensure safer pedestrian movement and help ease congestion in one of the town’s busy stretches.

To strengthen local infrastructure, authorities have also approved the development of lanes, drains and tiled pathways in various parts of Baramulla at a cost of Rs 1 crore, a move expected to improve road connectivity and sanitation.

Recognising the need for organised spaces for street vendors, a vending zone will be developed at the Bus Adda with an allocation of Rs 50 lakh. Officials said the facility is expected to streamline commercial activity while providing vendors with a designated trading space.

To address the growing parking crunch, a new parking facility has also been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 3 crore. The project, separate from the already approved parking facility near the old market, is expected to ease congestion in busy commercial areas.

The largest allocation of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for the upgradation of Baramulla town’s drainage system, a project aimed at improving water management and reducing waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Baramulla MLA Javed Hassan Beig said the approved projects are town-specific and intended to address key civic concerns.

“From the development of a dedicated vending zone and creation of an additional parking facility to the construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge and upgradation of the drainage network, several key infrastructure projects have been planned for Baramulla. These initiatives are aimed at transforming the town into a modern urban centre equipped with improved civic amenities and better public infrastructure for residents,” Beig said.