New J&K Assembly Complex Worth Rs 113 Crore Set for October 2027 Completion, 2028 Budget Session Likely to Be Held There

Jammu, February 16: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday reviewed the progress of the new Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex and announced that the ambitious project is expected to be completed by October 2027. The complex, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 113 crore, is designed to provide modern and technologically advanced facilities comparable to those of the newly built Parliament building.

During his inspection visit, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that if construction proceeds as scheduled, the 2028 Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will be convened in the new premises. He assured that the government is committed to meeting the fixed timeline and ensuring that the project is delivered without further delay.

Officials briefed him on the key features of the upcoming complex. The lower basement will provide parking space for 95 vehicles, while the upper basement will include additional parking facilities along with two canteens and a wellness centre to cater to members and staff. The main assembly hall will accommodate 130 members, with provision to expand seating capacity to 142 if required in the future.

The complex will also include four galleries with a combined seating capacity of 400 individuals. Two dedicated media galleries will accommodate up to 150 journalists, while the Guest Gallery and the Speaker’s Gallery will have seating arrangements for 35 persons each. These facilities are intended to enhance transparency, accessibility, and overall legislative functioning.

Speaking to reporters, Choudhary noted that the project had remained largely stagnant for seven to eight years, with little visible progress. He said the present government has revived the work with clear instructions to expedite completion. He added that both the Speaker of the Assembly and the Chief Minister have taken personal interest in the development, with the Chief Minister recently conducting an inspection and review of the construction site.

The Deputy Chief Minister described the existing Assembly building as a heritage structure that no longer meets contemporary functional requirements due to space constraints and limited infrastructure. The new complex, he said, will provide a more efficient, comfortable, and technologically enabled environment for legislators and officials, in line with modern governance needs.

Emphasising accountability, Choudhary stated that there would be no compromise on construction quality. He cautioned officers against any form of collusion with contractors and stressed that strict oversight would be maintained at every stage of the project. According to him, transparency and adherence to standards will be central to the successful completion of the complex.

Earlier in the day, the Deputy Chief Minister also conducted surprise inspections of Public Works Department offices to assess operational efficiency and review ongoing projects. He reiterated that the government is determined to ensure that public works are completed within stipulated timelines and not left unfinished, reflecting a renewed focus on accountability and timely execution.