Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the Common Duct Policy 2026, providing a framework for shared underground corridors for electricity, telecom, water, gas and other utility services.
The policy seeks to prevent repeated excavation of roads by requiring common ducts to be incorporated at the planning stage of new road and infrastructure projects.
Existing roads will be brought under the system in phases, with priority likely to areas witnessing frequent utility works.
It also provides for a single-window mechanism for Right of Way (RoW) permissions, enabling different departments and service providers to coordinate their requirements.
A digital mapping system will identify existing underground utilities before excavation, helping agencies plan works without damaging existing networks.
The government has said the policy will promote coordinated development of underground infrastructure and reduce the need for separate road-cutting by individual utility agencies.
The framework is also intended to facilitate future expansion of utility and digital networks without repeated disruption to roads and public infrastructure.