Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) delegation led by President, Javed Ahmad Tenga, met with the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, to discuss concerns regarding the Srinagar Smart City project in Shahre Khas. Mr Tenga and Shahre Khas Traders & Chambers President Bashir Ahmad Kenu and President Central Traders & Manufacturers Association Mushtaq Ahmad Darial, who accompanied the delegation, expressed their support for the overall Smart City initiative but raised concerns about specific projects in Shahre Khas.
The KCCI highlighted that while some Srinagar Smart City projects are welcomed, those planned for Shahre Khas seem poorly conceived. Their primary concern is the narrowing of roads that were previously widened to address traffic congestion. This rollback, they argue, would negate the previous efforts and worsen traffic flow in an area with significantly increased vehicle numbers.
Tenga pointed out that the earlier road widening project, which involved land acquisition and demolitions, had significantly improved traffic flow and resident quality of life. He emphasized that reverting to narrow roads would be detrimental to the interests of Shahre Khas traders, residents, and commuters.
The KCCI President appealed to the Divisional Commissioner, who also chairs the Srinagar Smart City Limited, to intervene and review the project plans. He urged the authorities to reconsider the narrowing of roads and explore alternative solutions that prioritize both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
The Divisional Commissioner reportedly agreed to review any project that might not benefit the public. The KCCI President expressed his appreciation for the Commissioner’s willingness to address their concerns.
