Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated the revamped Old Habba Kadal Bridge on River Jhelum in downtown Srinagar Srinagar.
The Lt Governor congratulated the Srinagar Smart City Limited and people on the restoration of the historic Old Habba Kadal Bridge into a pedestrian corridor and state-of-the-art public space.
He said the amenities, vibrant and creative space will improve old liveliness and quality of life of the city.
Srinagar Smart City Limited has completed extensive restoration of Old Habba Kadal which includes structural retrofitting, new wooden decking, Heritage-styled Wooden gazebos & Kiosks, restoration of traditional style balustrades and grill-work, laying and installation of Utility ducts, Stone pitching and re-construction of Ghat on River Jhelum, entry plazas and gates, improvement of Façade of adjacent buildings, lighting and illumination.
“The restored bridge will serve as a vibrant social hotspot, offering a welcoming space for community interaction in the lively neighborhood of Shehr-e-Khaas,” he said.
The Lt Governor also laid the foundation stone of Jhelum Riverfront Phase-II from Downstream Budshah Bridge to Chattabal Weir at a cost of 17.82 crore.
Jhelum Riverfront Phase-II project has been envisioned to enhance the quality of the Jhelum Riverfront and restore the city’s linkage with the river.
The project under Phase II includes the restoration of 24 Ghats in Shehr-e-Khaas, Stabilization of embankment, Stone pitching of bunds, Improvement of Access Street to Ghats, Ghat Steps and Surface improvement, Ramp Access at Water Transport Ghats, Improved Illumination, Guard rails and supports, Jetty, Boat Charging points, Antiskid paving and Seating spaces.
Talking to reporters after inaugurating the renovated Habbakadal bridge in downtown Srinagar, Sinha said Srinagar has emerged as the model of urban transformation.
“Today, Srinagar’s urban transformation is the talk of the country. In fact, it is talked about in a much better way than other cities of the country. The officers of Smart City Project have worked with utmost dedication. I am grateful to the people of the city as well for supporting it,” he said.
The Lt Governor said the renovation of the bridge under the Smart City Project is a huge gift for the people of the Shehr-e-Khas.
Asked if Srinagar was neglected by the previous governments, Sinha said while it was not right to say that, the city has become better, and there will be further improvement.