SRINAGAR: In a major push towards sustainable and investment-led urban development, the Union Territory Level High Powered Steering Committee (UTHPSC), chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, has approved three major projects worth a cumulative ₹2,692.58 crore under the Government of India’s Urban Challenge Fund (UCF).
The approved projects include TARANG (Tawi Area Regeneration and Green Growth) in Jammu, Walled City & Nigeen Lakefront Revitalization in Srinagar, and KRIPA (Katra Revitalisation Through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities) in Reasi.
Senior officers, including the ACS Tourism, ACS Finance, Principal Secretary Culture, Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Commissioners of JMC and SMC and other concerned officials attended the meeting.
Officials said the projects have been designed to combine public investment with market-linked financing and private participation to create modern, sustainable and economically vibrant urban spaces.
The TARANG project, estimated at ₹1,567.91 crore, envisages comprehensive regeneration of the Tawi riverfront and adjoining urban areas through a mix of public infrastructure and PPP-led commercial development.
Its funding pattern includes ₹307.05 crore each from the Government of India and the J&K Government, while ₹953.81 crore is proposed to be mobilised through market and PPP financing.
Under the PPP component, the project proposes a high-end residential group housing development, an upscale hotel, a modern retail mall and associated Left Bank road infrastructure. The Central Island is also proposed to be activated through development of a luxury resort asset.
The project further includes structural and river-protection works such as a diaphragm wall, embankment filling, retaining wall with anchor slabs and interceptor drainage infrastructure.
The Walled City & Nigeen Lakefront Revitalization project, with an estimated cost of ₹1,010.77 crore, aims to rejuvenate Srinagar’s historic urban core and unlock the economic potential of its lakefront areas.
Around ₹300.77 crore is proposed for core public infrastructure and revitalisation of the historic city, while the PPP component will support development of a Hospitality Centre, Pokribal Lakefront and a premium five-star boutique hotel.
The KRIPA project in Katra, estimated at ₹113.90 crore, will focus on improving pilgrim amenities, mobility management and institutional infrastructure.
A major component of the project is the Katra Gateway Centre, proposed as a 5+2 floor mixed-use facility spread over a 10.17-kanal site with approximately 1.39 lakh sq ft of built-up area.
The facility will include 480 pilgrim beds across 36 dormitories, 35 guest rooms, retail outlets, a community dining hall and dedicated prayer spaces.
To ease parking and traffic congestion, the project also proposes a Multi-Level Car Parking facility with capacity for 365 Equivalent Car Spaces, along with EV charging infrastructure and dedicated bus bays near the Yatra Parchi Counter.
Another ₹15.25 crore has been earmarked for institutional remodelling, including modern commercial office spaces, retail kiosks and upgraded administrative facilities for the Municipal Committee, Katra.
Officials said the projects reflect the Urban Challenge Fund’s emphasis on creating bankable and investment-ready urban infrastructure by combining government support with market-based financing.
The committee also stressed timely, quality and financially sustainable execution of the projects, which are expected to boost urban infrastructure, mobility, tourism, public spaces and economic activity across Jammu, Srinagar and Katra.
