SRINAGAR: At the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Awards, Srinagar and Jammu Smart Cities received national recognition for their sustainable transport initiatives, marking significant milestones in urban mobility and environmental quality for both regions, according to separate statements issued by the DIPR.
Srinagar Smart City Ltd was awarded the ‘Award of Excellence in Urban Transport’ under the category of ‘City with the Best Non-Motorized Transport System’. Dr Owais Ahmed, CEO of Srinagar Smart City, accepted the award at the UMI conference held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This accolade, presented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, highlights Srinagar’s strides in creating pedestrian-friendly and cyclist-oriented infrastructure, fostering a green and accessible city.
Dr Ahmed emphasized that the award reflects SSCL’s commitment to sustainability, with extensive developments such as 100 kilometers of upgraded roadways featuring dedicated walking and cycling paths, better lighting, and enhanced public amenities. Iconic roads, including Maulana-Azad Road and Residency Road, along with public spaces like Srinagar Square (Lal Chowk) and the Jhelum Riverfront, now boast vibrant plazas, cafes, and promenades, attracting both locals and tourists.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, SSCL launched a Public Bicycle System with 1,000 bicycles and 200 electric bikes stationed at 180 locations across Srinagar. This system promotes eco-friendly transport, reducing greenhouse emissions and supporting a cleaner environment. The holistic mobility strategy of SSCL focuses on walkability, environmental sustainability, and social inclusiveness, positioning Srinagar as a model for urban development.
Jammu Smart City’s innovative approach to financing its e-transport project earned it the ‘Award of Excellence in Urban Transport’ under the ‘City with the Most Innovative Financing Mechanism’ category. The award, presented by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, ML Khattar, recognises the city’s efforts to reduce pollution while creating economic opportunities through eco-friendly electric autos and e-rickshaws.
Dr Devansh Yadav, CEO of Jammu Smart City Project, along with the project’s finance team, received the award at the conference. Dr Yadav highlighted the transformative impact of this e-mobility scheme, which supports around 800 low-income families. “Our e-rickshaw and e-auto initiative aims to provide economical end-mile connectivity, promote pollution-free transport, and enhance employment for lower-income families,” Yadav said. He noted that the scheme not only reduces the dependency on traditional fuels but also opens new economic avenues for local drivers.
To make these zero-emission vehicles affordable, the project leverages the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) subsidy, further supplemented by a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) subsidy provided by Jammu Smart City Ltd. Buyers receive up to Rs 74,000 for e-autos and Rs 58,000 for e-rickshaws, effectively lowering the purchase cost by 25-30 per cent.
The achievements of both Srinagar and Jammu Smart Cities underscore a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive urban development. While Srinagar focuses on non-motorised transport to enhance walkability and environmental quality, Jammu’s innovative financing model for electric vehicles aligns with green mobility goals and provides economic uplift for low-income families.
