‘Riverfront to emerge as key tourism, recreation & economic hub’
Jammu, Apr 14: Describing Tawi Riverfront Project (Phase-I) as a blend of tradition and modern urban development aimed at transforming Jammu into a vibrant, inclusive city, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday dedicated Rs 156-crore Tawi Riverfront Project (Phase-I) to the public on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi.
Addressing a gathering during the inauguration and the start of the three-day Tawi Mahotsav-2026, the Lieutenant Governor, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the project has been dedicated to the citizens, recalling that performing aarti on the banks of the sacred Tawi River has been a longstanding tradition.
“In Phase-I, promenades have been developed on the left bank, right bank and the central island, creating four continuous stretches for walking, jogging and cycling,” he said, adding that a dedicated ghat has been constructed for the Tawi Aarti.
Highlighting future plans, LG Sinha said a 4-lane connecting road with a bridge to the right bank will be constructed to ease congestion and directly link Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Jewel Chowk.
He also launched the development of green spaces along the top promenade of the left bank, describing it as a step towards turning the riverfront into a vibrant public and tourist space.
Under the Urban Challenge Fund, he said, two key initiatives of real estate monetisation of Phase-I and extension of the riverfront from Bikram Chowk Bridge to Har Ki Paudi are being taken up, which will help position the riverfront as a premier recreational hub and economic centre.
“Our vision is to create inclusive, accessible and enriching spaces for every citizen. The Tawi Riverfront embodies this ethos with a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, where development harmonises with nature,” he said.
Calling Jammu an “ancient temple town” rooted in spirituality and culture, the Lieutenant Governor said cities along rivers preserve timeless civilisational values. “For millennia, this land has attracted saints, philosophers and artists, enriching its cultural and spiritual legacy,” he said.
Referring to development efforts in recent years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sinha said initiatives have been taken to further enhance Jammu’s grandeur and cultural consciousness.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor joined citizens for the Tawi Aarti, administered an anti-drug pledge and felicitated winners of a traditional dangal. Several public representatives, senior officials, religious leaders and citizens from different walks of life attended the event. (KNO)
