The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Common Duct Policy 2026, introducing a framework for shared underground utility corridors aimed at improving infrastructure management and reducing repeated road excavation across the Union Territory.

Approved by the Council of Ministers, the policy provides for common ducts to accommodate power, water, telecom, gas and digital networks. It makes duct integration mandatory in new road projects while allowing phased retrofitting of existing infrastructure.

The policy also provides for single-window Right of Way clearances, cost-sharing mechanisms and digital mapping of utility assets through the ‘Call Before You Dig’ platform.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the measures would help prevent repeated digging of roads, protect public infrastructure and lower the operation and maintenance costs of utility networks.

He said the policy would also address visual clutter and facilitate more planned urban development and improved digital connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.