Official data show how infrastructure, governance and technology reshaped Jammu’s urban mobility over the past few years
By Manya Pandey
Jammu, which is commonly referred to as the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a major change through the Smart Cities Mission program of the Government of India, which was launched in 2015. The city has changed over the last few years from dealing with a variety of problems to setting an example for data-driven city development methods. This transition is special because it is supported by data and statistics on completion rates and governance effectiveness, in addition to being evident in terms of infrastructure and development.
Before the Smart City initiative, Jammu struggled with several structural and administrative problems common in rapidly growing urban areas. Traffic congestion was a constant issue, especially in busy commercial and residential areas like Residency Road and Canal Road. The rising number of vehicles outpaced the available road infrastructure and traffic management systems. The lack of organised parking facilities made the situation worse, often leading to chaotic traffic problems. Waste management systems relied on outdated methods and were inefficient, with no scientific approach to sorting and disposal. Public spaces were few and poorly maintained, while heritage sites like Mubarak Mandi were underused due to insufficient infrastructure and a lack of proper conservation efforts. Governance was mainly manual, causing delays in addressing complaints and reducing transparency in service delivery.
Figure 1: Project Completion Status in Jammu Smart City
Source: Parliament/Government Data
The Smart Cities Mission changed the course of urban development in Jammu. A clear, data-driven approach was used to solve ongoing issues and plan for future growth. According to official data from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Jammu Smart City has made significant progress, with 125 out of 127 approved projects completed, giving a completion rate of about 98 per cent. This high execution rate places Jammu among the top-performing cities in the national mission and shows effective planning and implementation locally.
Figure 2: Fund Utilisation under Smart City Mission
Source: Assembly Data
The level of investment in Jammu’s transformation highlights the extent of the changes. Over ₹2,800 crore has been spent on various projects, including mobility, sanitation, heritage conservation, and digital governance. Financial data shows effective use of resources, with around ₹455 crore spent out of ₹489 crore in central funding, which is nearly 93 percent utilization. Official records provide a detailed year-wise account of expenditure under the Jammu Smart City initiative, reflecting a steady rise in investment over the years. The spending stood at ₹52 crore in 2019–20, which increased to ₹75.18 crore in 2020–21 and further to ₹128.05 crore in 2021–22. The pace of expenditure accelerated significantly thereafter, reaching ₹196.21 crore in 2022–23 and peaking at ₹225.63 crore in 2023–24, before moderating to ₹138.30 crore in 2024–25 (till date). In total, funds amounting to ₹830.98 crore have been released for Jammu Smart City projects, out of which ₹815.37 crore has already been utilised, indicating a high level of financial execution.
The records also suggest that while no major complaints have been reported regarding completed works, minor public grievances have been consistently addressed through administrative mechanisms. On average, around 400 complaints related to the installation of Digital Door Number (DDN) plates have been received, out of which approximately 350 have been resolved. These plates are part of an initiative to geo tag properties and assign unique identification numbers to households and commercial establishments.
Similarly, about 300 complaints concerning the operation of e-buses, including issues related to ticketing and staff behaviour, have been recorded. In nearly 285 cases, penalties have been imposed on the concerned individuals or agencies, indicating enforcement of accountability.
One of the most visible results of the Smart City initiative in Jammu is the change in urban areas. The building of smart roads, redesigned intersections, and better traffic management systems has greatly reduced congestion in previously crowded areas. The addition of multi-level parking has tackled the ongoing problem of uncontrolled parking. Intelligent traffic management systems now allow for real-time monitoring and coordination. These efforts have not only improved traffic flow but also made commuting more convenient and safer, leading to a more efficient urban transport system.
Equally important has been the improvement in sanitation and urban services. Jammu has moved from traditional waste handling to more organised systems of waste management. Door-to-door collection, source segregation, and better disposal methods have led to cleaner streets and improved urban hygiene. These changes directly impact public health and have raised the overall quality of life for residents.
The development of public spaces and the revitalisation of heritage sites is another key part of Jammu’s transformation. The restoration and lighting of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex have not only preserved a significant cultural landmark but also made it more appealing to tourists. The creation of green spaces and recreational areas has given residents better urban amenities and contributed to environmental sustainability. These initiatives have greatly enhanced the city’s appearance and boosted local economies through increased tourism.
A defining feature of the Smart City initiative in Jammu is the use of technology in governance. The establishment of the Integrated Command and Control Centre has allowed for real-time monitoring of various city functions, like traffic management, surveillance, and public service delivery. Digital governance platforms have made administrative processes more transparent and accessible. Data on citizen engagement shows the effectiveness of these systems, with a significant number of complaints registered and resolved through digital platforms. This indicates a movement toward more responsive and accountable governance.
The impact of these initiatives is clearly shown in measurable results. A project completion rate of 98 percent along with a fund utilisation rate over 93 percent highlights both administrative efficiency and effective execution. Improvements in infrastructure, sanitation, and governance have collectively made living in Jammu easier, creating a more organised and liveable urban space. The data-driven approach taken under the Smart City Mission has ensured that development is not only visible but also quantifiable.
As of 2026, Jammu Smart City is in its final phase, with only a few projects left to implement. Although the Smart Cities Mission officially ended in 2025, the infrastructure and systems set up under it continue to work as a long-term framework for urban governance. The focus has now shifted from building to maintenance, sustainability, and efficient use of assets. Maintaining these developments over time will be essential for keeping the progress made so far.
Despite the significant successes, some challenges remain. Long-term maintenance of advanced infrastructure, especially technology-driven systems, needs ongoing investment and technical skills. Concerns about uneven development in different parts of the city must also be addressed to ensure inclusive growth. Furthermore, environmental sustainability and climate resilience will play a vital role in guiding the future direction of urban development in Jammu.
In conclusion, Jammu’s change under the Smart Cities Mission serves as a successful example of how data-driven planning and effective execution can reshape urban areas. The city has made meaningful strides in enhancing infrastructure, governance, and quality of life. However, the true success of this transformation will depend on how well these improvements are maintained and built upon in the future. Today, Jammu stands not only as a symbol of progress but also as proof of the potential for smart and sustainable urban planning in India.
(The writer is a student of M.A. in New Media Communication at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jammu)
