Foreshore Road, a picturesque boulevard in Srinagar, has become synonymous with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Nestled along the serene banks of Dal Lake, this road is a testament to the city’s charm and the heart of its tourism industry. Stretching from Hazratbal to Nishat, Foreshore Road offers more than just a scenic drive. The famous Mughal Gardens of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh adorn the road, attracting visitors from far and wide. These gardens, known for their stunning architecture and lush landscapes, are a testament to the region’s Mughal heritage. Tourism plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people residing along Foreshore Road. The local economy greatly depends on the visitors who flock to witness the beauty of Dal Lake and its surroundings. The road is a crucial link to the Boulevard road, further enhancing its accessibility and appeal to tourists. Driving along Foreshore Road offers breathtaking vistas of the pristine Dal Lake, and it’s an ideal spot to catch the mesmerizing sunset over the water. During the scorching summer months, the cool breeze from Dal Lake provides a welcome respite for those taking a leisurely stroll or resting by the roadside. Every year in April, government officials open the Tulip Gardens to visitors from around the world. This annual event further boosts the number of tourists exploring the Foreshore Road and its attractions. The road is also home to the highest concentration of hotels in Srinagar, making it a convenient base for travelers. The Jammu & Kashmir Government takes regular measures to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of Foreshore Road and the adjacent Boulevard Road, recognizing their importance in promoting tourism and showcasing the natural beauty and heritage of the region. With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Foreshore Road continues to be a jewel in Srinagar’s crown, inviting travelers to experience the magic of Kashmir. In a significant development, Athar Amir Khan, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Srinagar Smart City Limited, revealed that the ambitious Lake Front Project along the Dal Lake, stretching approximately 5.1 kilometers from Nishat to Habbak, is nearing completion. “This endeavor, which is part of the Srinagar Smart City Project, is poised to become a game-changer for the city’s landscape, providing an array of recreational and leisure opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” he said. Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The Lake Front Project from Nishat to Habbak is one of our most important undertakings under the Srinagar Smart City Project. “We are in the final stages of its completion, and we are hopeful to open it up to the public in the next 40-50 days. This is, without a doubt, one of our most remarkable projects in Srinagar city,” he said. Khan further said that it will be completed before the winter. “In winter people can enjoy snow here”, he added.
“The revamped Poloview market officially reopened its doors in May, marking a milestone in the city’s modernization efforts. The project also extended its touch to some of Srinagar’s prominent landmarks, with the Clock Tower, MA Road, and the picturesque Jhelum Riverfront undergoing significant development. These efforts have not only enhanced the city’s overall aesthetic appeal but have also greatly improved the quality of life for its residents, reinforcing Srinagar’s status as a prime example of successful urban revitalization through the Smart City Mission”.
This innovative initiative promises to be a transformative addition to the city’s infrastructure and tourism offerings. The Lake Front will provide a seamless blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, creating an ideal environment for both leisure and recreation. As Khan mentioned, “You can walk, cycle, sit, sip a coffee, and enjoy the most pristine part of Dal Lake – the Hazratbal Basin.” The Lake Front Project is poised to become a hub for various outdoor activities, fostering a sense of community and vitality along the picturesque Dal Lake. With its proximity to the Hazratbal Basin, it offers a serene and unspoiled environment for residents and visitors to savor, all while contributing to the economic and social development of Srinagar. The impending opening of the Lake Front is not only an achievement for the Srinagar Smart City Project but also a testament to the commitment of the authorities to enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents and offer a unique experience to tourists. As the project enters its final phase, all eyes are on Srinagar, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of this transformative space along the Dal Lake, a project that is bound to redefine the city’s charm and allure. Earlier in June, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha marked a pivotal moment in the development of Srinagar laid the foundation stone for a series of ambitious projects under the Srinagar Smart City program. These projects, totaling Rs 74 crores, encompass a broad spectrum of urban development, with a primary focus on enhancing the quality of life for the city’s residents while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
The multifaceted projects include the upgradation and redevelopment of the Nishat-Sathu and Nishat Bagh Precinct, the development of a Lake Front along the Northern Foreshore road of Dal Lake from Nishat, and the comprehensive redevelopment and beautification of the Shalimar Canal. LG Sinha has emphasized the city’s transformation into a pedestrian and cycle-friendly urban center, poised to stand out as one of the most progressive in the country. “The new projects are aimed to transform Srinagar from a crowded city into one of the most pedestrian and cycle-friendly cities in the country. We are focused on restoring the essence of the city as the foundation of any development work,” he said at an official event in Srinagar. The Smart City projects align with the broader objective of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and values of the region. The redevelopment plan for Shalimar Canal, for instance, incorporates innovative sustainability aspects while placing a significant emphasis on cultural and historical values, creating a vibrant public space. This project will also connect the renowned Shalimar Bagh with water transportation, offering a unique blend of history and modernity.
Among the notable features of these projects are the cycling tracks and pedestrian walkways along Nishat Road, which are expected to rejuvenate the natural beauty of Dal Lake and provide a superior experience for visitors looking to explore the city’s rich heritage. LG Sinha further underlined the government’s efforts to develop smart urban mobility, electric transport systems, cycling tracks, and special walkways for pedestrians, as part of a comprehensive strategy to transform Jammu and Srinagar into more sustainable and environmentally friendly cities. He encouraged the public to embrace eco-friendly modes of transportation that align with urban sustainability goals. As part of these endeavors, a modern cycling track and pedestrian path will be constructed along the Hazratbal to Nishat road, further promoting the idea of sustainable and accessible urban living. CEO of Srinagar Smart City Limited and Commissioner SMC, Khan, provided an insightful overview of the projects, highlighting their various components. The Nishat-Sathu project will see an upgrade and redevelopment featuring a cycle track, walkway, and viewing or fishing decks. “The Nishat Bagh Precinct project entails roadworks, pathways, plazas, wooden decks, and landscaping. Meanwhile, the Lakefront development along the Northern Foreshore road of Dal Lake from Nishat will comprise pedestrian walkways, cycle tracks, and viewing decks,” he said.
“Stretching from Hazratbal to Nishat, Foreshore Road offers more than just a scenic drive. The famous Mughal Gardens of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh adorn the road, attracting visitors from far and wide. These gardens, known for their stunning architecture and lush landscapes, are a testament to the region’s Mughal heritage. Tourism plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people residing along Foreshore Road”.
The redevelopment and beautification of the Shalimar Canal project will encompass placemaking and improved access to Shalimar Garden, among other enhancements. These visionary Smart City projects are set to redefine Srinagar’s urban landscape, offering a harmonious blend of modern amenities and cultural preservation, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents and captivating the hearts of visitors. Srinagar, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, covering a sprawling 294 square kilometers and home to a population of 13.5 lakhs, was selected as a key participant in the Smart City Mission, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This endeavor has brought about a remarkable metamorphosis in the city, with several notable projects reaching successful completion, all in anticipation of this year’s highly anticipated G20 event. In a nod to its historical significance, the iconic Poloview market, which was originally established in 1952, underwent a transformation as part of the Smart City project. The market has emerged as Srinagar’s inaugural pedestrian-friendly and wire-free marketplace, now boasting state-of-the-art underground drainage, electricity, and communication systems. The revamped Poloview market officially reopened its doors in May, marking a milestone in the city’s modernization efforts. The project also extended its touch to some of Srinagar’s prominent landmarks, with the Clock Tower, MA Road, and the picturesque Jhelum Riverfront undergoing significant development. These efforts have not only enhanced the city’s overall aesthetic appeal but have also greatly improved the quality of life for its residents, reinforcing Srinagar’s status as a prime example of successful urban revitalization through the Smart City Mission.