Massive Push for Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, PM’s Advisor Reviews Mega Projects

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s development drive received a strong endorsement today as the Prime Minister’s Advisor, Tarun Kapoor, led a high-level review of key infrastructure and reform initiatives that are reshaping the Union Territory’s economic and governance landscape.

Among the most prominent developments under review were the Union Territory’s major hydroelectric power projects, railway connectivity corridors, and flagship healthcare and urban infrastructure schemes—all forming the backbone of a broad-based transformation aimed at integrating J&K more deeply into national growth narratives.

The 1000 MW Pakal Dul hydropower project, being developed for Rs 12,757 crore, was highlighted as a strategic energy asset scheduled for completion by December 2026. The Advisor was also apprised of steady progress on other vital projects—Kiru (624 MW) with 60% physical work done, Ratle (850 MW) at 23% completion, and Kwar (540 MW) at 22%. These projects, along with Sawalkote, Uri-II, Kirthai-II, Bursar, and the Tulbul navigation and storage facility, are expected to significantly enhance energy independence and grid resilience in the region.

Railway expansion also featured prominently in the review, with the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) nearing final stages. New corridors such as Qazigund-Budgam, Baramulla-Uri, Sopore-Kupwara, Anantnag-Pahalgam, and Jammu-Katra double-line sections are being prioritised to reduce travel time and expand freight movement, particularly for J&K’s horticultural sector.

Healthcare infrastructure was another critical focus, especially the two AIIMS campuses in Jammu and Srinagar. While AIIMS Jammu is operational, the Srinagar campus is set for completion by November 2025. The Advisor reviewed progress on medical faculty recruitment and the installation of high-end diagnostic equipment, with an eye on achieving international standards in patient care.

The review extended to road connectivity being executed by NHAI, NHIDCL, and BRO. The Advisor called for time-bound solutions to challenges such as raw material shortages and the need for more flexible permits to facilitate uninterrupted construction.

On the urban front, major Smart City and AMRUT projects in Srinagar and Jammu are being fast-tracked. These include Intelligent Traffic Management Systems, integrated parking facilities, the PM eBus Sewa initiative, and the IMS project in Katra. Kapoor also highlighted the importance of water transport as an environmentally friendly urban mobility solution for Srinagar.

Solar energy initiatives under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana were discussed, with a directive to scale up rooftop solar installations across homes and government buildings. The Power Development Department and JAKEDA were tasked with implementing this transition to green energy.

Preserving the ecological integrity of Dal Lake is featured as a key environmental priority. Kapoor reviewed ongoing and planned Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) around the lake, and urged the administration to strengthen sustainable lake management strategies to protect the valley’s iconic water body.

Digital empowerment and telecom expansion were also given a central place in the review. With the rollout of BharatNet, efforts are underway to connect even the remotest villages with high-speed internet. Simultaneously, Kapoor assessed ongoing IT reforms being executed in collaboration with BISAG-N to strengthen e-governance and service delivery through real-time digital tools and integrated platforms.

The Advisor also lauded the UT’s Mission YUVA initiative, which is focused on promoting youth entrepreneurship through institutional support and targeted funding in local and sunrise sectors. He called for deeper support systems for MSMEs, nano enterprises and technology-led start-ups through a comprehensive umbrella scheme.

The meeting, chaired at the Civil Secretariat, was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior UT administrative secretaries, and officials from central implementing agencies overseeing infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Summing up the session, Advisor Kapoor expressed satisfaction over the pace of progress but underscored the importance of timely execution, inter-departmental coordination and outcome-based delivery. He reaffirmed the Centre’s unwavering commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a model of inclusive development, green growth and digital governance.