The Smart City Mission In Srinagar And Jammu 2017: A Comparative Assessment Of Urban Transformation. – IMPRI Impact And Policy Research Institute

Policy Update
Vishal Kumar

Background

The Smart City Mission (SCM) was initiated by the Government of India in 2015 as a transformative urban renewal programme to develop 100 cities across the country into inclusive, sustainable, and technologically advanced hubs. The mission’s core objective is to provide citizens with high-quality core infrastructure, a clean environment, and “smart” solutions that optimize urban functions, such as data-driven resource management and enhanced service delivery.

Srinagar and Jammu, the summer and winter capitals of Jammu and Kashmir, were selected for this mission in the Round 3 challenge held in June 2017. Jammu and Srinagar are the two principal urban centres of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, making their development central to the region’s economic and administrative growth. The reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory in 2019 provided renewed momentum for aligning urban governance with national programmes, including the Smart Cities Mission.

At the same time, both cities faced longstanding challenges such as ageing infrastructure, limited municipal capacity, and gaps in urban service delivery, underscoring the need for comprehensive urban renewal 

Fig 1. Spatial Distribution of Major Smart City Projects in Srinagar and Jammu.
Source. Jammu and Srinagar Smart City Proposal (2017), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. 

 Functioning

The mission in Jammu and Kashmir is executed through two distinct Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) and Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL), both incorporated in 2017 under the Companies Act, 2013. These SPVs are designed to operate with administrative autonomy while being governed by a Board of Directors chaired by the Administrative Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department. A State Level High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC), led by the Chief Secretary, provides broader strategic oversight to ensure that projects remain aligned with the mission’s objective of creating environmentally sustainable, technologically enabled and resilient urban centres. The SPV model has also enabled faster project approvals, streamlined procurement procedures and greater flexibility in coordinating with consultants, contractors and government departments compared to conventional municipal administration. The functioning of the Smart City Mission rests on the following key institutional and operational pillars 

Fig 2. Foundational Components of Smart City.

Source. My Jammu City Portal (https://myjammu.jk.gov.in/Common/JSCL)

• Project Architecture: The mission is divided into Area-Based Development (ABD), which focuses on upgrading selected urban pockets through comprehensive infrastructure interventions, and Pan-city Solutions that apply technology-driven initiatives across the city. While ABD projects include redevelopment of roads, public spaces and utilities within designated zones, Pan-city initiatives such as intelligent traffic management, e-governance and digital surveillance seek to improve service delivery for the wider urban population.
• Financial Scope: In Srinagar, the ABD component was estimated at ₹2,869.24 crore, while Pan-city solutions were budgeted at ₹765.03 crore. Jammu city operated within a sanctioned framework of approximately ₹980 crore.⁷ Funding has been mobilised through a combination of Central and Union Territory government assistance, municipal contributions and convergence with other flagship schemes to maximise the impact of public investment.
• The Nerve Centre: A defining feature of both cities is the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), which serves as a central platform for coordinating urban services. By integrating feeds from CCTV cameras, traffic signals, environmental sensors and emergency response systems, the ICCC supports real-time traffic regulation, disaster response, water supply monitoring, public safety and municipal service management. The platform also facilitates quicker decision-making during emergencies by enabling multiple departments to coordinate through a single digital interface.
• Citizen Participation: The preparation of Smart City proposals involved consultations with residents, business associations, civil society organisations, and local stakeholders. Public feedback influenced the prioritisation of projects such as pedestrian-friendly streets, waterfront redevelopment, public transport improvements and heritage conservation, helping align investments with local needs.

      Performance

 By early 2026, Jammu and Kashmir had achieved a remarkable milestone in project execution, recording a completion rate of over 97 per cent for its approved Smart City projects. This performance positioned the Union Territory among the leading regions in India in terms of implementation. The high completion rate reflects not only efficient utilisation of financial resources but also stronger project monitoring and inter-departmental coordination that accelerated execution despite geographical and administrative challenges.

     In Jammu, 125 out of 127 sanctioned projects were completed, utilising approximately ₹921 crore of the sanctioned funds. Srinagar, managing a larger portfolio of 161 projects worth ₹3,634 crore, completed 156 projects, with only five remaining under execution during the first quarter of 2026. 

Source. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in a written reply to the Lok Sabha (Daily Excelsior).

   Alongside large infrastructure works, both cities witnessed extensive streetscape improvements, redesigned road intersections, smart street lighting and upgraded pedestrian infrastructure that collectively enhanced the quality of urban spaces. The major achievements of the mission are reflected in the following areas: 

• Urban Mobility Success: Major achievements include the modernisation of Narwal Mandi, the introduction of public bicycle-sharing systems and the construction of multi-level parking facilities to address chronic congestion. Road improvements, intelligent traffic signalling and upgraded pedestrian infrastructure have also contributed to safer and more efficient movement within the cities.
• Public Space Revitalization: The redevelopment of Srinagar’s Polo View Market into a pedestrian-only commercial corridor has significantly increased visitor footfall while improving the shopping environment. Wider walkways, organised street furniture and better public amenities have strengthened its role as a vibrant commercial and social space.
• Waterfront Development: The Jhelum Riverfront in Srinagar and the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu have expanded recreational opportunities through landscaped promenades, cycling tracks, seating areas and public spaces. Besides improving accessibility, these projects have enhanced the aesthetic appeal of both cities and encouraged greater public use of riverfront areas.
• Digital Governance: Smart traffic management systems, adaptive traffic signals, GIS-enabled project monitoring, CCTV surveillance and digital dashboards have improved municipal oversight and public safety. The growing use of data analytics allows city authorities to monitor urban services more effectively and respond to operational issues in real time.
• Future Milestones: Major projects including the Oceanarium at Bagh-e-Bahu and the Waste to Wonder Park at Bhagwati Nagar are expected to be opened to the public by the end of 2026, further expanding recreational and tourism infrastructure.

 Impact:

The mission has brought noticeable improvements to urban governance by integrating digital technologies into everyday public services and reducing administrative delays. More than 200 citizen services including birth and death registration, property tax payments, grievance redressal and trade licences have been shifted to online platforms, allowing residents to access services with greater convenience and transparency. Digitalisation has reduced paperwork, improved record management and shortened processing times for several municipal functions. Environmental sustainability has also received greater attention through the deployment of electric buses, GPS-enabled waste collection vehicles and Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) for scientific plastic disposal. These measures have complemented investments in energy-efficient LED street lighting, cleaner public transport and improved solid waste segregation, contributing to lower emissions and a cleaner urban environment. The mission has influenced urban development through the following key outcomes: 

• Social Inclusivity: The installation of SHE Lounges and Pink Toilets in Srinagar has improved access to safe sanitation facilities for women while supporting greater participation of women in public spaces.
• Heritage Preservation: Rather than replacing historic precincts with modern infrastructure, the mission prioritised restoration and adaptive reuse. Heritage buildings along the Jhelum River and shrines in Jammu’s Purani Mandi have been conserved through façade improvements, lighting and public space enhancement while retaining their historical character.
• SDG Alignment: More than 70 per cent of Smart City projects in Jammu and Kashmir contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).⁷
• Economic Vitality: Infrastructure improvements have generated employment in construction, engineering, information technology and urban services. Better public spaces and improved connectivity have also increased footfall for local markets, hotels, transport operators and small businesses, contributing to economic activity.
• Urban Liveability: Redeveloped parks, pedestrian corridors, cycling infrastructure and open public spaces have encouraged outdoor recreation and community interaction. These improvements have made city centres more accessible while enhancing the overall quality of urban life for residents and visitors.

Urban Challenges and Emerging Issues:

Despite high completion rates, several structural challenges continue to affect the long-term sustainability of the Smart City Mission. A major concern is drainage. Heavy rainfall during July 2026 exposed persistent weaknesses in Srinagar’s stormwater management system, leaving residential areas, commercial establishments and hospitals inundated despite significant investments in drainage infrastructure. Experts have pointed to inadequate desilting, encroachments on natural drainage channels and infrastructure that has not been fully adapted to changing rainfall patterns associated with climate variability.

Residents and traders have questioned whether investments have been distributed equitably, arguing that while major commercial and tourist areas have witnessed substantial improvements, several residential neighbourhoods such as Saida Kadal continue to experience flooding, deteriorating roads and inadequate civic services. Despite notable progress, the mission continues to face the following challenges: 

• Maintenance Hurdles: Interactive kiosks frequently remain non-functional, while poorly maintained solar panels and other smart infrastructure highlight the growing challenge of operation and maintenance after project completion. Sustaining digital infrastructure requires regular maintenance budgets and technically trained personnel that many municipal bodies currently lack.
• Funding Closure: The Smart City Mission officially concluded in Jammu and Srinagar in March 2026, ending dedicated financial support from the Central Government. Ensuring the continued operation, maintenance and upgrading of completed assets will require alternative funding mechanisms and stronger municipal finances.
• Institutional Coordination: Multiple implementing agencies continue to operate simultaneously, often resulting in fragmented planning, duplication of responsibilities and delays in project execution. Stronger coordination between municipal bodies, development authorities and utility agencies remains essential.
• The Power Trap: Digital systems depend heavily on uninterrupted electricity. Frequent power outages, particularly in economically weaker neighbourhoods, reduce the effectiveness of surveillance systems, digital kiosks and intelligent traffic management infrastructure.
• Digital Divide: Although many public services are now available online, sections of the elderly population, economically disadvantaged households and residents with limited digital literacy continue to face barriers in accessing these platforms. Digital inclusion remains an important challenge for technology-led governance.
• Climate Resilience: Urban infrastructure must increasingly account for more frequent extreme weather events. Future planning should integrate climate adaptation measures into drainage, transport and public utility projects rather than relying solely on historical weather patterns.

Way Forward

Bridging the gap between project completion and long-term urban resilience requires sustained institutional commitment rather than one-time capital investment. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has advised states to repurpose Smart City SPVs and develop financially sustainable business models for the Integrated Command and Control Centres. By extending digital services to neighbouring urban local bodies and other government departments, these centres can generate revenue while continuing to support data-driven governance.

Following the floods of 2026, there is also a growing demand for independent third-party technical audits to assess the quality of Smart City infrastructure, particularly drainage systems, and ensure compliance with engineering standards before future investments are undertaken. The following policy recommendations may help consolidate the gains achieved under the mission: 

• Scientific Water Management: Urban planning should recognise Srinagar’s bowl-shaped topography and integrate stormwater drainage, wetland conservation, floodplain management and urban water bodies into a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy.
• Equitable Growth: Future investments should prioritise underserved residential neighbourhoods alongside commercial centres and tourist destinations so that the benefits of urban development are distributed more evenly across the cities.
• Institutional Capacity: Municipal officials and technical staff require continuous training in digital governance, ICT systems, GIS applications and renewable energy management. Partnerships with universities and technical institutions can strengthen local capacity for maintaining advanced urban infrastructure.
• Citizen-Centred Governance: Regular public consultations, social audits and open-data platforms can improve transparency, strengthen accountability and ensure that future investments reflect local priorities and community needs.
• Regional Integration: Long-term planning should extend beyond municipal boundaries by integrating Jammu and Srinagar with surrounding peri-urban areas through coordinated transport, land-use planning and environmental management to support balanced regional development.
• Continuation of Works: With the conclusion of the Smart City Mission, the administration intends to pursue further urban development projects through other centrally sponsored schemes. Maintaining momentum through programme convergence and sustained investment will be essential to preserve the gains achieved under the mission and support the long-term development of both capital cities.

References

Daily Excelsior. (2026, January 30). Jammu, Srinagar achieve almost total completion of Smart City Projects. https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/jammu-srinagar-achieve-almost-total-completion-of-smart-city-projects/ 

ETInfra. (2023, June 28). Smart City Mission to transform Jammu into sustainable city. https://www.google.com/amp/s/infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/urban-infrastructure/smart-city-mission-working-to-transform-jammu-into-sustainable-city/101336131 

Goswami, P., & Panda, G. R. (2022). Governance Network and Social Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir: The Study of Urban Drinking Water Services in Two Capital Cities. Journal of Polity & Society, 14(2). https://journalspoliticalscience.com/index.php/i/article/view/234 

Greater Kashmir. (2026, July 21). Crores spent on Smart City drainage, yet Srinagar waterlogged again. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/city/crores-spent-on-smart-city-drainage-yet-srinagar-waterlogged-again-12182938 

Hanief, M. (2025, June 1). J&K’s Urban Shift: How Smart Cities Are Reshaping Daily Life. Kashmir Observer. https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/06/01/jks-urban-shift-how-smart-cities-are-reshaping-daily-life/ 

Hayat, P. (2016). Smart Cities: A Global Perspective. India Quarterly, 72(2). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0974928416637930 

Lone, T. M. (n.d.). How Smart Cities are transforming urban landscapes – A case study of Srinagar and Jammu. JK Policy Institute. https://www.jkpi.org/how-smart-cities-are-transforming-urban-landscapes-a-case-study-of-srinagar-and-jammu/ 

Northlines. (2026, March 13). Smart City Mission stands closed in J&K. https://thenorthlines.com/smart-city-mission-stands-closed-in-jk/ 

Observer News Service. (2026, March 27). Smart City Mission Projects Fully Implemented in J&K: Govt. Kashmir Observer. https://kashmirobserver.net/2026/03/27/smart-city-mission-projects-fully-implemented-in-jk-govt/ 

Srinagar District Administration. (2026, June 25). About Srinagar Smart City. Government of Jammu and Kashmir. https://srinagar.nic.in/srinagar-smart-city/ 

About the Contributor: 

Vishal Kumar is a Research & Editorial Intern at IMPRI. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. His research interests include Political Economy, Public Policy, Governance and Political Philosophy.

Acknowledgement: 

The author would like to thank the reviewers and IMPRI team for the guidance throughout the process.

Reviewed by: Sneha Sharma and Ameya Satam

Disclaimer: This article is intended for academic purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of IMPRI or any government institution.  

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