Jammu, Aug 5, 2025: The Tawi Riverfront Development Project, a flagship project of Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL), was thoroughly inspected today by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Jammu. By combining recreational and commercial infrastructure with flood protection to create a dynamic urban space, the project aims to revitalize the Tawi River's banks. Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, and Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, IT, S&T, and Transport, both attended the inspection. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner JMC and CEO of JSCL; Subah Mehta, Additional CEO of JSCL and Joint Commissioner JMC; Sunil Thusu, Director of Projects at JSCL; Rajesh Abrol, Senior GM of JSCL; Akhil Samyal, AEE of JSCL; and senior engineers and officers from UEED Jammu and Irrigation & Flood Control Department were also present at the event. From the Bhagwati Nagar Barrage to the Bikram Chowk Bridge, Phase-I of the project, Omar reviewed the progress of the civil works. He was informed that the construction portion of Phase I has been completed in excess of 97% of the work under Part-A. September 2025 has been set as the date for complete completion. During the inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed key features of the project, including the development of multi-tiered promenades along both banks of the river and a central island, construction of flood mitigation infrastructure such as diaphragm and retaining walls, pier protection measures on existing bridges, creation of a central business and recreational zone and installation of interceptor drains to divert polluted nallahs away from the river.
The CM was informed that under Part-A, a 2.70-kilometer embankment with four promenades of varying widths and reclaiming approximately 23 hectares of land is being constructed. The construction of connecting roads, food courts, viaducts, toilet blocks, horticulture, and promenade flooring will all be part of the project's finishing touches in Part B. He emphasized the significance of its timely completion and expressed satisfaction with the execution's pace. According to him, the project is not just about beautifying the city; rather, it is also about creating a new identity for Jammu centered on the historic Tawi River. He went on to say that the initiative will be beneficial to both economic and environmental goals. He also highlighted the potential of the project to enhance tourism, generate employment and provide sustainable commercial real estate options, including green buildings, parks, sports zones and cultural plazas.
Omar reviewed CBRE's monetisation strategy, which will support the riverfront development's expansion from Tawi Bridge to Sidhra Bridge in subsequent phases. The Jal Shakti Department, JSCL, and JMC's coordinated efforts were acknowledged by the Chief Minister. He instructed the concerned officials to ensure sustainability and public convenience throughout the project's execution while adhering strictly to quality and deadlines.