JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed plans to expand and modernise Jammu and Kashmir government properties across India, including the establishment of new JK Houses in Dwarka and Mumbai.
During a review meeting held in New Delhi, the Chief Minister assessed ongoing projects being handled by the J&K Resident Commission and discussed future plans to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s institutional presence across the country. The meeting was attended by Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and senior officials from the Resident Commission and other concerned departments.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of infrastructure projects, budgetary requirements and proposals for upgrading existing government properties in several states and Union Territories.
Abdullah emphasised that all new and renovated JK House facilities should reflect the distinct cultural identity and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Ensure that the new constructions and restructuring of existing properties carry a local touch of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy so that these government assets reflect a unique blend of heritage and modern functionality,” he said.
The meeting reviewed the status of J&K government properties in Dwarka and 5, Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, as well as facilities in Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai. Plans for expanding accommodation and administrative facilities for officials, students, patients and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir were also discussed.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that steps have been initiated to establish a new JK House in Dwarka to strengthen accommodation and administrative infrastructure for J&K residents visiting the national capital. A similar project is being pursued at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai to enhance the Union Territory’s presence in the country’s financial hub.
Regarding the proposed JK House in Amritsar, Abdullah directed officials to take up the issue of land consolidation with the Government of Punjab. He noted that the currently available land parcels are scattered and suggested seeking a single consolidated plot to facilitate the development of a functional government facility.
For the Navi Mumbai project, officials said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹29.56 crore has been submitted, along with a capital expenditure proposal of around ₹30 crore for the construction of the facility. The meeting also discussed the possibility of assigning the project’s execution to government agencies in Maharashtra to ensure smooth implementation.
The Chief Minister advised officials to study similar guest house facilities developed by other states and Union Territories to adopt best practices in architecture, infrastructure development and service delivery.
“Benchmark these projects with the best state guest houses and institutional facilities across the country so that Jammu and Kashmir develops world-class infrastructure for its residents visiting these cities,” he said.
Abdullah also stressed the need for timely completion of the projects so that improved facilities for officers, students, patients and other visitors from Jammu and Kashmir become available at the earliest.
The meeting further discussed entrusting construction and renovation works to agencies such as National Buildings Construction Corporation and Central Public Works Department.
Earlier, Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar presented a detailed update on various government properties managed by the Resident Commission, including offices, staff quarters, guest houses and VIP accommodation. He also outlined proposals for upgrading VIP rooms into suites at the Chanakyapuri JK House complex, redeveloping the Rajaji Marg property in New Delhi and expanding guest house facilities at 5, Prithviraj Road.
The condition of other properties under the Resident Commission in cities such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Malabar Hill in Mumbai and Sirsa in Haryana was also reviewed during the meeting.
