SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated the redeveloped Amira Kadal bridge in Srinagar.
The project, costing Rs. 7.70 crore under Srinagar Smart City Limited, was launched in December 2023, ensuring due diligence in heritage conservation, structural safety and quality control.
Dedicating the pedestrian wooden bridge to the people of Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the historically significant project will preserve legacy while improving urban mobility and quality of life.
“Our prime objective is to lift the quality of life to a new level with modern technology and inclusive design.
We have made it a mission to protect the soul of every city while upgrading or renovating infrastructure. By preserving historic lanes, bridges, traditional markets, lively squares and peaceful green spaces, we have made efforts to weave amenities into the cultural heartbeat of each city,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He emphasised that renovation and upgradation of a city’s infrastructure should serve as a bridge, beautifully linking heritage with the needs of today.
This approach is already visible across several cities of Jammu and Kashmir. Projects such as the Jhelum Riverfront, Lal Chowk, MA Road redevelopment, Polo View High Street, Traditional Souq Market and Craft Centre Batmaloo, lakefront walkways along the Northern Foreshore Road from Nishat to Naseem Bagh, improvement of ghats along the Jhelum, façade enhancement of heritage markets in Shehr-e-Khaas, and multiple high-street and riverfront projects have revitalised urban spaces. These initiatives are not only attracting tourists but also strengthening local businesses and boosting the economy.
The Lieutenant Governor said that breathing new life into cities through preservation of cultural heritage is about honouring roots and building a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for the younger generation.
“A true smart city is never just about new infrastructure. It is about sparking an entirely new way of quality living that is vibrant, efficient and inclusive,” he said.
Interacting with local shopkeepers and traders, the Lieutenant Governor said the opening of the pedestrian bridge will improve accessibility, boost commercial activity and enhance the experience for tourists.
Ahsan Pardesi, Member of Legislative Assembly from Lal Chowk; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Faz Lul Haseeb, CEO Srinagar Smart City Limited, senior officials, members of trade associations and prominent citizens attended the inauguration.