Jammu and Kashmir government implements Common Duct Policy 2026 to enhance infrastructure management

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the implementation of the Common Duct Policy 2026, aiming to modernize urban infrastructure and improve efficiency in utility management. This policy was formalized following approval by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Council of Ministers, as detailed in an official statement released on social media.

The Common Duct Policy 2026 establishes a framework for shared utility corridors designed to accommodate multiple services, including power, water, telecommunications, gas lines, and digital networks. This initiative aims to prevent the repeated excavation of roads, thereby protecting public infrastructure and reducing maintenance costs associated with utilities in the region.

According to the government, the new policy mandates that duct integration be included in the design of new roads and allows for the phased retrofitting of existing high-traffic roads. It also outlines single-window clearances for Right of Way (RoW) and promotes cost-sharing arrangements between utility service providers.

The strategic move towards a Common Duct Policy is expected to significantly mitigate the frequency of road diggings that have historically disrupted traffic and contributed to urban clutter. By housing electrical cables, telecommunications lines, and other utility infrastructure within a unified underground system, the policy aims to reduce not only visual clutter but also operational expenditure for utility providers.

Furthermore, the policy is designed to promote transparency and accessibility, ensuring that shared duct space is available on a non-exclusive and non-discriminatory basis. This is intended to foster a collaborative environment among utility service providers.

The implementation of the Common Duct Policy aligns with broader regulations, such as the Right of Way Rules, which encourage the development of common utility corridors in major infrastructure projects like highways, railways, and smart city initiatives. This comprehensive approach to urban planning is seen as a vital step towards enhancing digital connectivity and planned urban growth across Jammu and Kashmir.

Additionally, the policy is expected to help cities in the region manage utility operations more effectively by minimizing issues related to traffic disruption, environmental noise, and roadside accidents stemming from extensive trenching activities. The transition to underground infrastructure also aims to eliminate the inconvenience caused by unsightly overhead wires and poles, leading to cleaner and safer urban environments.

Source

Original IANS report

Edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated representative image.