The Jammu & Kashmir government on Friday, 25 September 2026, informed the Legislative Assembly that 14 developmental works with a combined project cost of ₹24.62 crore are currently under execution in Baramulla town. Of these, three projects have been completed, while the remaining are at various stages of progress.

Key Disclosures in the Assembly

Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, replying on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, provided the update in response to a question raised by MLA Javid Hassan Baig. She said that against the total project cost of ₹2,462.67 lakh, expenditure of ₹445.24 lakh had been incurred up to March 2026. During the current financial year, ₹25 lakh has been utilised against a released amount of ₹130.60 lakh.

Multi-Level Car Parking: Clearances Pending

On the proposed multi-level car parking facility near the R&B Office, Baramulla, Minister Itoo said Administrative Approval was accorded on 10 October 2025. However, the project's commencement has been delayed due to pending land transfer from PWD (R&B) to Municipal Council Baramulla. The site contains poplar trees requiring Forest Department valuation, followed by auction or removal, and an old building at the site also needs assessment and disposal before construction can begin. 'These essential pre-construction and statutory formalities affected the commencement of the project. The requisite formalities are now in process, and the concerned agencies have been directed to complete them on priority so that work can commence at the earliest,' she said.

Entry Gates: Objections Force Site Changes

For the construction of three entry gates at Baramulla — sanctioned vide Order No. DULBK/Plg/746 of 2025 dated 20 September 2025 — execution has been disrupted at Janbazpora, Khowjabagh, and Khanpora. Resident objections necessitated site shifting at Janbazpora and Khowjabagh; work is currently in progress at a newly identified site in Khowjabagh. At Khanpora, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) authorities raised objections requiring drawing modifications and a change of location. Joint site visits by BRO and R&B authorities were conducted on 13 June and 21 June 2026, proposing revised locations. Work at the new Khanpora site had reached column level but was subsequently halted after BRO conveyed the location was inadvertent and could not be permitted. Steps have been initiated to identify alternative sites at both Janbazpora and Khanpora.

Municipal Office Building: High Court and Security Halts

The double-storey office building of Municipal Council Baramulla, approved vide No. MC/BLA/2021/215-18 dated 22 December 2021, saw its G+2 skeletal structure completed in November 2024. However, execution was halted due to High Court orders related to a land dispute and security-related restrictions, keeping the site idle until March 2026. Work resumed after Municipal Council Baramulla submitted an affidavit undertaking compliance with security conditions prescribed by the Military Authority. Truss work has since been completed and brickwork stands at approximately 80 per cent completion.

Delays Acknowledged; Government Assures Expedited Completion

Responding to a supplementary question, Minister Itoo acknowledged that the works have not been completed within originally envisaged timelines, attributing delays to 'site-specific, statutory, court-related, security-related and inter-departmental issues' that were substantially beyond the immediate control of executing agencies. She assured the House that concerned agencies are being directed to expedite pending formalities and maintain the pace of execution for the benefit of the people of Baramulla town. The disclosures come as J&K continues to navigate the administrative complexities of operating a recently restored legislature alongside ongoing infrastructure development.