JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded administrative approval for a ₹29.88 crore multi-level car parking facility at Jewel Chowk in Jammu, paving the way for execution of the project under the Capex Budget 2026-27.
The approval has been issued by the Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD) under the Financial Assistance to Jammu Municipality component.
According to Government Order No. 20-JK (HUD) of 2026, dated September 24, the sanction follows a proposal submitted by the Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), through an e-file and communication dated September 21.
The government order, however, makes it clear that the approval is subject to the availability of funds and “shall not be treated as authorization to spend money that has not been provided for in the budget.”
The project will also have to be executed strictly in accordance with the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR), technical specifications and applicable government rules, with the government directing the executing agency to ensure that there is no time or cost overrun.
Conditions attached to project
Before construction begins, the authorities have been directed to complete the required need assessment, cost-benefit analysis, preliminary site investigations and environmental and social impact assessments, wherever applicable.
All statutory approvals, regulatory clearances and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will also have to be obtained before commencement of work.
The government has directed that primary stakeholders be consulted during the planning and design stage. The feasibility report, implementation schedule and monitoring framework are to form an integral part of the approved DPR.
The land required for the project must be available free from encumbrances, with the cost of land, wherever applicable, reflected in the approved DPR.
E-tendering mandated
The construction is to be carried out strictly according to the technically vetted DPR and within the approved cost estimates.
The order mandates e-tendering for fixation of the award of contract and prohibits fragmentation of the project during tendering.
Working Bills of Quantities (BOQs) will have to be prepared on the basis of approved designs and requirements and in accordance with the J&K PWD Schedule of Rates.
For items not covered under the applicable Schedule of Rates, rates will have to be based on an analysis prepared from authentic data and approved by the competent authority before tenders are invited.
The government has also stipulated that lump-sum provisions in the DPR will remain provisional and must be backed by detailed estimates based on actual requirements and applicable rates before tendering.
Strict technical and quality standards
The project design will have to conform to the latest Indian Standards (I.S.) codes and specifications and be authenticated and proof-checked by the competent authority.
Electrical, mechanical and electronic components will also require technical vetting by the concerned competent authorities.
The order directs adherence to applicable CPWD, National Building Code (NBC), Indian Standards and departmental specifications. For structural components, specifications contained in the CPWD Plinth Area Rate Schedule are to be followed.
The executing agency has been instructed to use prescribed quality raw materials and ensure that construction conforms to the approved designs and specifications.
The government has also ruled out cost escalation or diversion of funds, stating that “no escalation in cost or diversion of funds will be admissible under any circumstances.”
Payment linked to actual work
The final payment will be released only on the basis of the actual cost or actual work executed, whichever is less, after verification and authentication by the competent authority and completion and handing over of the facility.
The order also prohibits overlapping or duplication of funding from any other scheme, source or project.
The executing agency will have to provide photographic evidence of the work before, during and after execution, along with latitude and longitude coordinates of the project site, before preferring bills.
Periodic physical and financial progress reports will also have to be submitted.
The order further prohibits expenditure on revenue or revenue-like components and bars casual or need-based engagements under the project. Implementation will not result in the creation of any permanent, temporary, work-charged or other additional posts.
Assets created under the project will have to be properly inventoried and cannot be disposed of without approval of the Housing & Urban Development Department.
The approval has been issued with the concurrence of the Director, Finance, HUDD. The order was signed by Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing & Urban Development Department, on September 24.
The administrative approval provides formal clearance for the proposed multi-level parking facility at Jewel Chowk, with its execution now subject to the prescribed financial, technical, regulatory and procurement conditions.
