Srinagar, Oct 5 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday described the Jammu and Kashmir Common Duct Policy 2026 as a major step towards modernising urban infrastructure, improving utility management and creating cleaner and more orderly cityscapes across the Union Territory.

The policy, notified following its approval by the Council of Ministers, establishes a framework for shared underground utility corridors for power, water, telecommunications, gas, sewerage and digital networks.

Under the policy, common ducts will be integrated into the planning and construction of new roads, while phased retrofitting of existing infrastructure will also be undertaken.

The policy provides for coordinated Right of Way (RoW) clearances through a single-window mechanism and introduces cost-sharing arrangements among utility service providers.

It also provides for digital asset mapping and real-time fault detection through Smart IoT and GIS-based systems, supported by the “Call Before You Dig” platform.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The system will enable government agencies and utility providers to identify underground infrastructure before excavation, reducing the risk of damage and disruption to essential services.

Omar Abdullah said the policy would help Jammu and Kashmir move towards a more coordinated and future-ready approach to urban infrastructure development.

The Common Duct Policy aims to prevent repeated road cutting for laying and repairing utility networks, thereby protecting public road infrastructure and reducing inconvenience to commuters.

The shared infrastructure model is also expected to optimise operational and maintenance costs for utility providers, facilitate faster fault detection and repairs through dedicated inspection chambers, and reduce visual clutter caused by overhead utility networks.

The policy is expected to support planned urban expansion, strengthen the resilience of utility infrastructure and facilitate the growth of digital connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)