J&K Government Issues Common Duct Policy 2026 to End Repeated Road Digging

The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a Common Duct Policy for 2026, seeking to coordinate the laying of underground utility lines and eliminate the need for repeated road digging. The framework requires telecom, power, water and other service providers to share a common duct network, thereby avoiding duplication of work and minimizing traffic disruption. Officials say the approach will reduce public inconvenience, lower maintenance expenses and bring the territory in line with national smart‑infrastructure guidelines. Implementation will be rolled out across the Union Territory, with existing projects given a transition timeline and a dedicated task force set up to monitor compliance.