The beautification project also envisages the development of the Jhelum riverfront, installation of speed cameras on traffic lights and upgradation of traffic islands. Security bunkers and pickets in parts of the city that are frequented by dignitaries and foreign delegates are being upgraded in consultation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Work is on to set up smart poles with Wi-Fi hubs at eight of 20 tentative locations through the public private partnership (PPP) mode. There are plans to establish Wi-Fi zones in the city. In order to “decongest traffic”, the government will also promote a scheme to share bicycles. In an effort to make Srinagar cleaner - and in a first for the state - cycle tracks are being made all over the city, save for the narrow Residency Road. (Express/Shuaib Masoodi )Īll major roads, including Residency Road, Maulana Azad Road and airport road, are being upgraded. Shoddiness is not an alibi for preservation.”Īt the centre of this renovation spree is Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk and its clock tower. Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu tweeted, “The clock tower (Ghanta Ghar) is being restored and rebuilt by SMC to reflect our heritage and architecture – down to the finest details. The iconic clock tower, originally built by the Bajaj Group in 1978, is being rebuilt to “reflect the heritage and architecture” of Srinagar. A witness to Srinagar’s turbulent history, Lal Chowk is all set to get upgraded roads, wide pavements and a treeline. We have just expedited it in the wake of the G20 meet,” said Iftikhar Kakroo, chief engineer, Smart City project.Īt the centre of this renovation spree is Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk and its clock tower. “This (upgrading of infrastructure) was already in the pipeline. Though upgradation of the city’s infrastructure is part of the Rs 3,000-crore Smart City project, being implemented by the Srinagar Smart City Limited since 2018, work is being expedited to make the city ready for the G20 meet. But it is a race against time.Ī part of UNESCO’s Creative City Network (UCCN) under crafts and folk art, Srinagar is being spruced up ahead of the G20 tourism stakeholders’ meet from May 22 to 24. A cycle track, a new clock tower, treelines along the roads, Wi-Fi zones, artistic and 3D paintings on flyovers and walls, and renovation of security bunkers and pickets - Srinagar is being decked up ahead of the G20 meet in May.
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