Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 05
Jammu and Kashmir has notified a Common Duct Policy aimed at coordinating underground utility networks and reducing repeated excavation of roads, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday.
The policy, approved by the Council of Ministers, provides for shared underground corridors for power, water, telecommunications, gas, sewerage and digital networks.
It requires common ducts to be incorporated into the planning and construction of new roads and provides for phased retrofitting of existing infrastructure.
The policy also establishes a single-window system for Right of Way clearances and provides for cost-sharing among utility providers.
Digital asset mapping and real-time fault detection will be supported through Smart IoT and GIS systems and the “Call Before You Dig” platform.
The system is intended to allow agencies to identify underground infrastructure before excavation, reducing the risk of damage and service disruptions.
Omar said the policy would help J&K adopt a more coordinated approach to urban infrastructure development.
The shared network is also expected to reduce repeated road cutting, lower maintenance costs and speed up fault detection and repairs through dedicated inspection chambers.
The government said the policy would also reduce visual clutter from overhead utility networks, support planned urban growth and improve digital connectivity across J&K.
