Updated
Srinagar, Aug 19 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday undertook an extensive early-morning tour of Srinagar, reviewing around a dozen major development projects across all eight Assembly constituencies and stressing the need to accelerate works, improve public facilities and tackle the city’s growing traffic and parking problems.
Details available with news agency JKNS stated that, beginning the tour at around 6:30 am, the Chief Minister reviewed projects covering road and traffic infrastructure, healthcare, heritage conservation and sports facilities, while directing officers and executing agencies to maintain momentum and ensure timely completion.
At Barbar Shah, Habba Kadal, Omar inspected the proposed ₹32.50-crore multi-span bridge over Choont Khul, aimed at improving connectivity towards Shehar-e-Khaas and easing congestion.
At Maharaj Gunj, he inspected the newly constructed Urban Primary Health Centre, being executed at an estimated cost of ₹262.54 lakh, and reviewed its physical progress.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the ₹132.85-lakh beautification and junction improvement project at Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk, Hawal, which includes upgraded roads, pedestrian footpaths, drainage, traffic signage and modern LED lighting.
At SDH Habak, Hazratbal, he reviewed the revived hospital project, which has a revised cost of ₹54.49 crore and envisages a two-basement, four-storey, 50-bed facility.
He subsequently reviewed the ₹4.87-crore first phase of conservation and restoration of historic Aali Masjid at Eidgah, directing authorities to ensure timely completion while preserving its architectural and heritage character.
Chief Minister also reviewed the ₹85-crore flyover project at Parimpora and Shalteng Junctions on Srinagar Bypass (NH-44), aimed at strengthening road safety and improving traffic movement.
At SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, Omar reviewed the 250-bedded IPD Block, which has achieved around 80 per cent physical progress, and the College/Laboratory Block, which has recorded around 66 per cent progress.
He also inspected the site of the proposed ₹908.20-crore High Court Complex at Rakh-i-Aksha, Bemina, which will include courtrooms, judges’ chambers, lawyers’ chambers, administrative facilities and extensive parking infrastructure.
CM Omar further reviewed the proposed Mominabad Vehicle Underpass, besides associated traffic projects including the Nowgam Railway Station underpass and Foot Over Bridge at Children Hospital, Bemina. The combined sanctioned amount for these works is ₹31.52 crore.
At Gindun Sports Complex, Rajbagh, he inspected the recently completed ₹20.60-crore international-standard swimming pool, commissioned in July 2026, besides reviewing the Training-cum-Toddler/All-Weather Heated Pool and inspecting the newly completed gymnastic hall.
Speaking after the tour, Omar said the field visit provided an opportunity to compare official reports with the actual situation on the ground.
“The benefit of these tours is that we get a chance to compare what is told in the Secretariat and the ground reality,” he said.
He stressed the need for focused attention to Srinagar and Jammu as the two capital cities of J&K.
“We need to decongest Srinagar from traffic jams, for which some important steps have to be taken. In Shehar-e-Khaas, there is a huge problem of parking, and we will address and resolve that issue also,” Chief Minister said.
He said most projects inspected during the tour were progressing well, while one or two required an additional push for timely completion. (JKNS)
