Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha on Tuesday unveiled the revamped Old Habba Kadal bridge in Srinagar, describing it as a valuable gift to the residents of Sher-e-Khaas under the ambit of the Srinagar Smart City project. The inauguration ceremony, attended by CEO Smart City Dr Owais Ahmad and other officials, also included the laying of the foundation for Jhelum Riverfront Phase-II.
Addressing the media following the inauguration, Lieutenant Governor Sinha expressed that the redesigned Old Habba Kadal bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.8 crore, is a testament to the commitment of the Smart City project to urban transformation. “Under the Smart City project, this bridge is a gift to the people living in Sher-e-Khaas,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Sinha emphasised the nationwide discussions surrounding the urban metamorphosis of Srinagar and highlighted the positive impact the Jhelum Riverfront Phase-II, with a budget of Rs 17.58 crore, is expected to have on the quality of life for Sher-e-Khaas inhabitants. The ongoing project spans five kilometers and encompasses 24 ghats along the riverbank.
Commending the efforts of CEO Smart City Dr Owais Ahmad and other officers, Lieutenant Governor Sinha expressed gratitude to the enthusiastic participation of the people of Srinagar in such transformative initiatives. He acknowledged the importance of preserving heritage and creating public spaces in congested areas, referencing the Old Habba Kadal bridge project initiated by Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL).
It’s noteworthy that the redesigned Old Habba Kadal bridge, fashioned similarly to the iconic Zero Bridge, was completed in a record time of five months and has been attracting a steady stream of visitors since its completion in August 2023. The project aimed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the old City area while addressing congestion issues, aligning with the broader goals of the Srinagar Smart City initiative.
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