Jammu and Kashmir infrastructure and utility development

Jammu and Kashmir is advancing several infrastructure and utility initiatives focused on energy, telecommunications, and urban planning.

In the energy sector, the Union Territory is expanding its renewable capacity through solar and hydropower projects. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the government aims to provide 200 free units of electricity per month to approximately 2.23 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana families via rooftop solarisation. The region has already reached 100 MW under this program. Additionally, major hydropower projects on the Chenab river, such as Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar, are progressing alongside potential new developments like the Sawalkote project.

To modernize urban areas, the government notified the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Common Duct Policy 2026’, which creates shared underground corridors for electricity, water, gas, and digital networks to reduce road excavations. Simultaneously, efforts to improve digital connectivity include the approval of land for new mobile towers in 12 underserved and border areas, such as Uri and Banihal, to support e-governance and emergency communications.