CM Omar Lays Foundation for Rs 19.94 Cr Boulevard Four-Laning Project

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the widening and four-laning of the Boulevard Road from Nehru Park to Kral Sangri, marking a key step in strengthening Srinagar’s scenic and tourism infrastructure.

The project, being executed by the Public Works (RB) Department at an estimated cost of Rs 19.94 crore, covers a 5-kilometre stretch along the Dal Lake and aims to ease traffic congestion while enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal and tourism potential.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Minister said the project will transform one of Kashmir’s most iconic lakefront corridors, improving connectivity and travel experience for residents and visitors alike. “Travelling on Boulevard Road has become tortuous. Our government is determined to decongest Srinagar’s roads and provide long-term relief to citizens,” he said.

Omar Abdullah said Srinagar had been neglected for over a decade but vowed to “correct all past wrongs” and ensure balanced development across the Union Territory. “Even Jammu city did not get its due. We will not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or region,” he added, citing the revival of the Darbar Move tradition as a symbol of regional unity.

The Chief Minister also announced plans for sustainable urban housing through vertical expansion, given the city’s shrinking land availability, and revealed that the footbridge near Silk Factory Rajbagh will be redeveloped into a two-storey motorable bridge with dedicated pedestrian and vehicular sections.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the project would improve road safety and accessibility, while Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani described it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth.

Once completed, the upgraded Boulevard Road is expected to significantly reduce congestion, improve mobility, and enhance the overall experience along the Dal Lake promenade, reinforcing Srinagar’s reputation as a premier global tourist destination.