J&K Govt clears ₹2,693 cr urban projects under Urban Challenge Fund

Ziraat Times News Desk

SRINAGAR, SEPT 01: 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 approvals are aimed at accelerating sustainable, investment-driven urban transformation in Jammu & Kashmir by combining public investment with market-linked financing and private participation.

The meeting was attended by senior officers, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir; Commissioners of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), besides other concerned officers.

The three projects identified by H&UDD are 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.

The projects are designed to leverage the UCF framework to unlock additional institutional, municipal and private capital for large-scale urban development.

TARANG project in Jammu

With an estimated cost of ₹1,567.91 crore, TARANG envisages comprehensive regeneration of the Tawi riverfront and surrounding urban areas through public infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP)-led commercial development.

The project has a proposed funding structure comprising ₹307.05 crore each from the Government of India and the 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 is also proposed to be activated through the development of a luxury resort asset.

The project includes extensive structural and river-protection works, including a diaphragm wall, embankment filling, retaining wall with anchor slabs and interceptor drainage infrastructure.

Srinagar’s historic core, Nigeen lakefront to be revitalised

The Walled City & Nigeen Lakefront Revitalization project, estimated at ₹1,010.77 crore, aims to rejuvenate Srinagar’s historic urban core and unlock the economic potential of lakefront areas in the interiors of the historic city.

Around ₹300.77 crore will be deployed towards core public infrastructure and revitalisation of the historic city.

The PPP component will support development of a Hospitality Centre, Pokribal Lakefront and a premium five-star boutique hotel.

KRIPA to boost pilgrim amenities in Katra

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 key component is the Katra Gateway Centre, envisaged as a 5+2-floor mixed-use facility on a 10.17-kanal site, with approximately 1.39 lakh square feet of built-up area.

The facility 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 provides for a Multi-Level Car Parking facility with capacity for 365 Equivalent Car Spaces, along with EV charging infrastructure and dedicated bus bays near the Yatra Parchi Counter.

The project also provides ₹15.25 crore for institutional remodelling, including modern commercial office spaces, retail kiosks and upgraded administrative facilities for the Municipal Committee, Katra.

Focus on investment-ready urban projects

The three projects reflect the UCF’s emphasis on developing bankable and 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 also emphasised timely, quality and financially sustainable execution of the approved projects.

The initiatives are expected to enhance urban infrastructure, mobility, tourism and economic activity while creating new public spaces and investment opportunities across Jammu, Srinagar and Katra.