In an effort to revive water transportation in Srinagar, the administration is actively pursuing the project under the Smart City initiative. The SSCL has reissued tenders after the initial tendering process failed to meet the necessary criteria.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Anuj Malhotra General Manager of the Smart City Project Srinagar, explained that the first tendering process could not be executed as several bidders were disqualified due to technical issues.
However, the administration remains committed to the restoration of water transport and has initiated a second tendering process. Unfortunately, this too has been delayed due to the ongoing model code of conduct. Malhotra assured that once the MCC period ends, the tenders will be awarded, and the project will move forward.
The restoration of water transport in Srinagar has been an ongoing effort for several years. Although some preliminary measures were taken in the past, they were not successfully implemented. This time, however, the administration has formulated a comprehensive plan to ensure the success of water transport in the city. Malohtra expressed optimism that sufficient water transport facilities will be available in Srinagar once the project is completed.
“All the plans have been framed for its success,” Malhotra stated. Initially, water transportation services will be launched on the Jhelum River and Dal Lake, with plans to expand to other water bodies in the city in the future.
The revival of water transport is expected to transform the transportation landscape of Srinagar. Earlier this year, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, chaired a meeting to review the selection of an agency for operating water transport services in the Jhelum River and Dal Lake.
During the meeting, Bidhuri directed the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) to expedite the preparation of the Request for Proposal (RFP), focusing on the eBus contract model. SSCL was also instructed to finalize routes and fare structures and to call for tenders promptly.
The introduction of water transport is anticipated to rejuvenate Srinagar’s water bodies, creating a new attraction for both locals and tourists.
