'Pride' Over Progress? Srinagar Is Changing For The Better, But Not All Are Willing To Acknowledge It

Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has recently witnessed a transformation that has reshaped its infrastructure, lifestyle, and image.

The city, once synonymous with political turmoil, now presents a new essence — one that many feel was long overdue.

Over the past few years, the abrogation of articles 370 and 35A opened up Srinagar to much-needed development and modernisation.

Before this, the city remained stagnant, locked in a cycle of shutdowns, protests, and political unrest for nearly seven decades. This political instability also delayed infrastructural growth and progress for its people.

Today, streets that were often deserted during times of conflict are now lively, with businesses operating freely and tourists enjoying the city’s famed beauty.

While this shift marks a new chapter for Srinagar, the reception to these changes remains mixed, with some welcoming the progress and many hesitant to embrace it.

“It wasn’t always like this. These changes have come in the last three or four years,” said an auto driver, while talking about the city’s evolution. “Our city has always been beautiful, but it never received the attention it needed to keep up with modern times.”

One of the most visible improvements has been the introduction of electric buses under the Smart City project.

Earlier, people only had to travel in shared private cars as taxis, or in auto-rickshaws, which were not accessible to everyone. “These buses have been a huge help. Now, even my kids use them to travel to school,” he adds.

Further to this, city mobility has greatly improved, with more attention being paid to pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and beautification.

A new walkway and cycle track have been built along the NPL Bund from Nishat (Foreshore Road) to Dole Demb along Dal Lake, offering residents and tourists alike a unique experience.

Visitors of all ages can now be seen enjoying the walkway, even late into the evening.

'Resistance' To Change

However, not all are satisfied with these changes, and many continue to express dissatisfaction with the recent developments.

Several shopkeepers expressed their stubbornness to change, saying the changes were unnecessary.

“We were fine the way things were before,” they said. “They have made these pavements, for people to walk, and reduced the size of the roads. Because of this, now fewer people come to our shops.”

Others complained about the informal arrangements being shifted to a regulated market space — where they are now required to follow guidelines and pay municipal fees — something they previously managed to avoid.

"Who’s going to use these cycle tracks? We used to place our food stalls here, but now we've been moved to a different area," they lamented.

“We don’t need all of this,” said another local, while getting down from an electric bus, that were introduced under the Smart City project.

He continued, “These projects are a waste of money and an excuse for corruption by the Centre. We had to face so many challenges when the work was happening.”

The Next Challenge: Changing Perceptions

While this reflects a broader resistance among some locals who feel the changes have disrupted their way of life, the upgrade of the city and its infrastructure may gradually be accepted with time or through increased awareness. Then again, it could be that the resistance is not driven by material reasons but ideological or communal factors.

In contrast to these wary opinions, many others have come to realise the necessity of these changes, based on their experiences over the past year.

“Previously, there was only one footpath, and most of the roads were packed with vehicles. It was difficult for anyone without a car to navigate the area.”

Now, developed market spaces and pedestrian walkways have allowed people, both locals and tourists, to move around the city comfortably, even at night — a time when many used to fear roaming around.

Once an area where people feared staying out after dark, these changes have made it more welcoming and vibrant.

A hotel owner near Brein Road shared, “This has completely changed the face of our area. Having worked in cities like Delhi and Bangalore, I've seen how haphazard growth hampers city life. Srinagar now has the opportunity to grow in a more organised way, as it is seeing more growth in commerce and tourism. ”

Lal Chowk’s Transformations

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recalled the peak of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, a time when shops and business establishments would shut down before dusk due to fear and unrest.

He mentioned that the Home Minister of the previous Congress-led government was too “frightened” to visit Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar.

Lal Chowk, the central business district (CBD) of Srinagar, had long been plagued by unrest, strikes, stone-pelting, and anti-national demonstrations, including the infamous events of 15 August 2013, when Pakistani flags were hoisted.

The area was overburdened with traffic, unregulated street vendors, and inadequate services.

Athar Aamir Khan, who led the redevelopment project, said, “The goal was to blend the old charm of the city centre with modern urban features.”

The redevelopment plan includes pedestrianised zones, lighting strips, water channels, play areas, and shopping streets, creating a more vibrant environment for locals and visitors alike.

A long-time shop owner near the clock tower in Lal Chowk tells Swarajya, “Our shop has been here since the 1960s, and we have witnessed all the changes. There were years when this very area was notorious for anti-national activities.”

“We often had to close our shops and flee. Now, things are different. Business has improved with fewer vehicles; more tourists are coming in and the area has become more organised.”

Another shopkeeper added, “Honestly, for us, it gives a sense of safety and control, which was most essential here. Now, business has increased. We no longer have to close our shops abruptly and wait for weeks, like we used to during strikes or stone-pelting incidents.”

While the improvements and beautification efforts are visible, for many locals, these changes represent much more than just aesthetic or commercial upgrades.