Srinagar smart city

A decision by Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) to reportedly convert a portion of the footpath near the Polo Ground entrance on Maulana Azad (MA) Road into a paid parking space has sparked widespread anger among commuters and pedestrians, who allege that the move places lives at risk and defies the very principles of urban planning.
The stretch, located along one of the city’s most trafficked roads, has seen barriers and ropes installed to cordon off what was once pedestrian space—leaving those on foot with no choice but to step onto the road, dangerously close to speeding traffic.
“Footpaths are meant for people, not for parking,” said Idrees Sheikh, a regular commuter. “We are now being forced into traffic just to get past. It’s completely unsafe.”
Locals have described the move as short-sighted and emblematic of misplaced priorities. “This is what passes for a Smart City?” asked Sajad Andrabi, a resident of Rajbagh. “Endangering pedestrians to accommodate more vehicles is neither smart nor sustainable.”
Many believe the move defeats the core aim of the Smart City mission—improving urban mobility and liveability. “If people can’t walk safely in their own city, what’s the point of these grand projects?” said Aasif Mir, a frequent walker along MA Road.
Residents of Srinagar areas who commute through M A Road stated that this is not an isolated incident. “Across Srinagar, walkways are increasingly obstructed by illegal parking, street vendors, or construction,” they alleged. The MA Road episode, they argue, reflects a worrying trend of neglecting pedestrian rights.
“When government bodies themselves start occupying footpaths, what message does that send?” asked Murtaza Ahanger of Hyderpora. “It encourages more violations and sends the signal that public safety comes second.” Commuters are urging authorities to implement long-term traffic and parking solutions—such as multi-storey car parks—rather than sacrificing essential pedestrian infrastructure. “This is a patchwork fix,” said Haseeb Khan, another daily commuter. “Smart cities require smart planning—not shifting problems from one place to another.”
In response to the backlash, a senior official at SSCL, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the issue and said the matter would be addressed. “Pedestrian safety remains a key priority under the Smart City framework,” the official stated. “We will review the situation and take corrective measures if necessary.” For now, the footpath remains blocked—and Srinagar’s pedestrians continue to walk a dangerous line between poor planning and moving traffic.

Chief Executive Officer, Athar Aamir Khan of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) provided an update on Wednesday regarding the progress of the Shalimar Canal project, a noteworthy undertaking within the broader scope of the Srinagar Smart City initiative. Khan conveyed that the project is currently advancing at a vigorous pace, and he expressed optimism about its timely completion.The commitment to full-scale efforts reflects the dedication of SSCL to realize the objectives of the Srinagar Smart City initiative, showcasing the organization’s determination to deliver on crucial urban development projects for the benefit of the community.News agency KNS reported that Athar Aamir Khan highlighted the pivotal role the Shalimar Canal would play in connecting Shalimar Garden to Dal Lake via the new Northern Lake Front.
He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing pace of construction, affirming that the project is advancing at full throttle.“The Shalimar Canal project is a vital component of our commitment to enhance the urban infrastructure of Srinagar under the Smart City initiative. This canal will not only serve as a picturesque waterway but will also bolster connectivity between two iconic locations, Shalimar Garden and Dal Lake,” Commissioner Athar Khan stated.He further elaborated on the technical aspects of the project, emphasizing that meticulous planning has been undertaken to ensure environmental sustainability and minimize any potential impact on the surrounding areas.

“The canal’s route through the new Northern Lake Front has been carefully chosen to integrate seamlessly with the existing landscape, preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings. Our focus is not just on completing the project efficiently but also on creating a lasting asset that adds value to the city and its residents,” Khan explained.Regarding the timeline for completion, CEO Athar Khan conveyed optimism, stating, “Our teams are working diligently, and I am pleased to announce that we are on track to finish the Shalimar Canal project within the next couple of months. This is a testament to the dedication and collaborative effort of everyone involved in this venture.”

The Shalimar Canal project aligns with the broader vision of the Srinagar Smart City initiative, which aims to transform Srinagar into a technologically advanced, sustainable, and citizen-friendly urban center.As the construction progresses, anticipation is building among the residents of Srinagar, who eagerly await the realization of this transformative project that promises not only improved infrastructure but also an enhanced quality of life.(KNS)