Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday laid the foundation stone for the widening and four-laning of the Boulevard Road from Nehru Park to Kral Sangri, marking a major step in strengthening Srinagar's scenic and tourism infrastructure.

The project, being executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department at an estimated cost of Rs. 19.94 crore, will upgrade a key 5-km stretch along the iconic Dal Lake, improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Guroo, Chief Engineer R&B, and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Omar Abdullah said the project will not only decongest traffic but also enhance the aesthetic and tourism value of the Dal Lake precincts.

“Travelling on Boulevard Road has become tortuous-it takes hours to reach one's destination,” he said, adding that his government is planning several initiatives to decongest Srinagar's road network and provide relief to residents and tourists alike.

The Chief Minister said that for over a decade, Srinagar had not received due attention, but his government was determined to correct the neglect.“All wrongs will now be corrected and undone under our government,” he asserted.

Omar emphasized that the focus on development extended beyond Srinagar.“Even Jammu city has not got its due. The neglect faced by both cities in the past ten years will be set right by my government. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or region,” he said, citing the restoration of the Darbar Move tradition as a symbol of regional unity.

Highlighting urban planning challenges, the Chief Minister said that his government was seriously exploring decongestion and vertical housing solutions for Srinagar.“Land in Srinagar is shrinking, and we must now go vertical. Sustainable housing and city planning are top priorities for us,” he added.

MENAFN02112025000215011059ID1110281223