Srinagar, Feb 18: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday outlined ongoing and upcoming road improvement projects aimed at decongesting traffic across downtown and arterial roads in Srinagar district.

Replying to a question from MLA Tanvir Sadiq in the Legislative Assembly, the Deputy CM said major projects under execution include Nowshera to Soura (KZP Road), Saida Kadal to Ashaibagh (SMS Road), Devi Angan–Hawal Road, as well as Alamgiri Bazar Chowk and Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk corridors.
Choudhary noted that the old road alignments are struggling with increased traffic, urbanization, and commercial activity, causing congestion during peak hours. He added that routine maintenance, resurfacing, and drainage corrections are being undertaken to improve traffic flow and ensure road safety.
For widening projects, preliminary assessments and surveys have been completed, but progress is sometimes affected by land acquisition, utility shifting, encroachments, and ongoing court litigations. Notable updates include:
Nowshera–Soura (KZP Road): Structures near Nalbal Bridge acquired; remaining acquisitions pending High-Level Committee settlements and court decisions.
Saida Kadal–Ashaibagh (SMS Road): Survey underway for widening the 1.75 km stretch; carriageway expansion from 7.5 m to 21 m planned.
Devi Angan–Hawal Road: Preliminary project report prepared under CRIF at an estimated cost of ₹31.25 crore, including land acquisition and utility shifting.
Alamgiri Bazar and MK Sahib Chowks: Approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for ₹3.35 crore and ₹1.35 crore respectively, including junction redesign and structure acquisitions.
The Deputy CM emphasized that these phased projects will ensure smooth movement of emergency vehicles and improve overall traffic efficiency in Srinagar.