In a major step towards accelerating sustainable and investment-driven urban transformation in J&K, the Union Territory Level High Powered Steering Committee (UTHPSC), chaired by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, has approved three major urban development projects with a cumulative base cost of ₹2,692.58 crore under the Government of India’s Urban Challenge Fund (UCF).
The meeting was attended by the senior officers in the administration including the ACS, Tourism; ACS, Finance; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Commissioner, JMC/SMC and other concerned officers.
The projects identified by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) includes TARANG (Tawi Area Regeneration and Green Growth) in Jammu, Walled City & Nigeen Lakefront Revitalization in Srinagar, and KRIPA (Katra Revitalisation Through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities) in Reasi are designed to combine public investment with market-linked financing and private participation to create modern, sustainable and economically vibrant urban spaces.
The approvals mark a significant advancement in J&K’s efforts to leverage the UCF framework for transformative urban infrastructure, while unlocking additional institutional, municipal and private capital for large-scale development.
With an estimated cost of ₹1,567.91 crore, TARANG envisages comprehensive regeneration of the Tawi riverfront and surrounding urban areas through a combination of public infrastructure and PPP-led commercial development. The project has a funding structure comprising ₹307.05 crore each from the Government of India and UT Government, while ₹953.81 crore is proposed to be mobilised through market and PPP financing.
The PPP component will facilitate development of a high-end residential group housing project, an upscale hotel, a modern retail mall and associated Left Bank road infrastructure. The Central Island will also be activated through development of a luxury resort asset.
The project further provides for extensive structural and river-protection works, including a diaphragm wall, embankment filling, retaining wall with anchor slabs and interceptor drainage infrastructure.
The Walled City & Nigeen Lakefront Revitalization project, with an estimated cost of ₹1,010.77 crore, seeks to rejuvenate Srinagar’s historic urban core and unlock the economic potential of its lakefront areas in the interiors of the historical city.
Around ₹300.77 crore will be deployed towards core public infrastructure and revitalisation of the historic city, while the PPP component will support development of a Hospitality Centre, Pokribal Lakefront and a premium five-star boutique hotel.
The Katra Revitalisation Through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities (KRIPA) project in Reasi, estimated at ₹113.90 crore, will focus on improving pilgrim amenities, mobility management and institutional infrastructure in Katra.
A major component is the Katra Gateway Centre, envisaged as a 5+2 floor mixed-use facility over a 10.17-kanal site, with approximately 1.39 lakh sq ft of built-up area. It will include pilgrim dormitories with 480 beds across 36 dormitories, 35 guest rooms, retail outlets, a community dining hall and dedicated prayer spaces.
To address parking and traffic congestion, the project also provides for a Multi-Level Car Parking facility with capacity for 365 Equivalent Car Spaces, EV charging infrastructure and dedicated bus bays near the Yatra Parchi Counter.
The project additionally provides ₹15.25 crore for institutional remodelling, including modern commercial office spaces, retail kiosks and upgraded administrative facilities for the Municipal Committee, Katra.
The three projects reflect the UCF's emphasis on developing bankable, investment-ready urban projects by combining government support with market-based financing. The approach is aimed not only at creating modern urban infrastructure but also at ensuring that such assets generate sustainable economic activity and long-term revenue streams.
The Committee has also laid emphasis on ensuring timely, quality and financially sustainable execution of the approved projects. The initiatives are expected to significantly enhance urban infrastructure, mobility, tourism and economic activity while creating new public spaces and investment opportunities across Jammu, Srinagar and Katra.