Srinagar, Jun 26: The J&K government has ordered an independent third-party audit of the Srinagar Smart City Limited project, the thousands of crore rupees urban transformation programme that has reshaped large parts of the city.
The review assumes significance in view of the widespread criticism of the planning and execution of the SSCL works across quarters.
The decision for the review was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah earlier this week.
It coincided with the growing public resentment over recurring waterlogging, traffic bottlenecks and incessant parking woes in Srinagar.
There are concerns, according to the Government officials, that the project may not have delivered on many of its original promises despite extensive expenditure.
In addition, the prolonged construction activity has been going on for years, causing inconvenience to residents and commuters.
National Conference Chief Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar has said the audit was ordered to investigate "what was actually delivered against the original proposals".
He argued that accountability must be fixed for the implementation of the project.
In a post on social media platform X, Dar wrote, “On the failure of the Smart City Project. The Government has stepped in.”
He wrote that a third-party audit has been ordered to investigate what was actually delivered against the promises made.
The Srinagar project was conceived as a blueprint for modern urban development under the Centre's Smart Cities Mission.
It included all aspects of modern cities including improvements in urban mobility, pedestrian infrastructure, drainage systems, scientific management of water bodies, public spaces, traffic management and disaster resilience.
The project proposals had also emphasized on creating a city infrastructure that is prepared against flooding.
Over the years, Srinagar City has been dug up many a times to execute road redesigns and pedestrian corridors to riverfront development, public spaces, cycle tracks, smart transport initiatives.
Multiple beautification projects have been carried out across the city, changing its appearance. However, residents and traders have repeatedly questioned whether core civic issues such as drainage and urban flooding have been addressed.
Officials said the independent review is expected to examine expenditure patterns and project implementation timelines.
In addition, contractor performance, construction quality and compliance with approved plans also need to be audited to get a realistic status of completed and pending works.
The audit, the officials said, would also assess whether public funds were utilised efficiently and transparently.
The SSCL is already under the scanner of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on multiple fronts.
The existence of an ACB investigation has kept allegations of irregularities and questions of accountability alive.
In 2026, ACB announced a chargesheet involving multiple accused.
These include officials connected with civil works. Continuing irregularities in urban development projects have also been a concern and fodder for political barbs.
