Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for the Widening and Four Laning of Boulevard Road from Nehru Park to Kral Sangri (RD 2000 Mtrs to RD 7000 Mtrs), marking a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Srinagar’s scenic and tourism infrastructure.
The prestigious project, being executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department at an estimated cost of Rs. 19.94 crore, aims to improve road connectivity along the Kashmir’s most iconic lakefront stretch.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Guroo, Chief Engineer R&B, and other senior officers and officials were present on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the widening of the Boulevard stretch will not only decongest traffic but also enhance the aesthetic and tourism value of the Dal Lake precincts.
“Travelling on Boulevard Road has become tortuous—it takes hours to reach one’s destination,” the Chief Minister said, adding that his government is planning a series of projects to decongest Srinagar’s road network and provide much-needed relief to residents and tourists alike.
The Chief Minister said that for over a decade, Srinagar has not been given due attention, but that “all wrongs will now be corrected and undone under our government.”
He emphasized that this was not limited to Srinagar alone, adding:
“Even Jammu city has not its due. The neglect faced by both cities in the past ten years will be set right by my government. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or region.”
He cited the restoration of the Darbar Move tradition, originally introduced by the Dogra rulers of Jammu, as evidence of his government’s commitment to unity and equality across regions.
Touching upon urban housing challenges, the Chief Minister said his government is seriously planning for decongestion and vertical housing solutions in Srinagar.
“Land in Srinagar is shrinking, and we must now go vertical. Sustainable housing and city planning are top priorities for us,” he stated.
Referring to the footbridge near Silk Factory Rajbagh, Omar Abdullah said that the bridge was originally conceived as a motorable structure during his earlier tenure, but was later downgraded to a pedestrian bridge “for reasons best known to the successive regimes.”
“We now plan to make it motorable again — a two-storey bridge with one level for pedestrians and another for vehicular movement,” he announced.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the project will significantly improve road safety and accessibility, benefiting both locals and visitors. Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani remarked that the initiative reflects the government’s focus on infrastructure-driven growth, while MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar lauded the government’s sustained developmental push in Srinagar city.
Once completed, the project will ease traffic congestion along the picturesque lakefront corridor, offering a smoother, safer and more scenic route for commuters and tourists, further enhancing Srinagar’s standing as one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.