Jammu, Apr 14 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday dedicated the first phase of the Tawi Riverfront Project to the public on the occasion of Baisakhi, as part of the three-day Tawi Mahotsav-2026 here.
The project, developed by Jammu Smart City Limited at a cost of Rs 156 crore, includes promenades on the left bank, right bank, and the central island, creating four continuous stretches for walking, jogging, and cycling, officials said. A dedicated ghat area has also been developed for the sacred Tawi Aarti.
Speaking at the event, Sinha said the 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.
The Lt Governor also laid the foundation stone for a four-lane connecting road to the right bank, along with a bridge, to decongest a critical stretch of the city and directly connect Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Jewel chowk.
He further launched the development of green spaces along the top promenade of the left bank. Officials said the one-kilometre stretch will transform the riverfront into an urban hotspot for residents and tourists.
Sinha announced that under the Urban Challenge Fund, two major initiatives are being taken up – real estate monetisation of Phase-I and extension of the riverfront from Bikram Chowk Bridge to Har Ki Paudi.
“These initiatives will play a pivotal role in transforming the Tawi riverfront into a vibrant tourist destination, a premier recreational hub, and a dynamic economic centre,” the Lt Governor said.
Observing that cities along rivers retain winds infused with timeless values, Sinha said Jammu embodies this truth. “This ancient temple town is the heart of spirituality, culture and a living metaphor,” he added.
He said over the past five-six years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, efforts have been made to amplify Jammu’s grandeur and cultural consciousness. “Culture thrives only when lived and passed to the next generation through its values,” Sinha said.
The Lt Governor also administered the Anti-Drug Pledge to citizens and felicitated winners of the traditional dangal.
Among those present were Members of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sat Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited Devansh Yadav, along with MLAs and religious leaders. (KNS)
