POLO VIEW, Srinagar — For much of its recent history, winter evenings in Srinagar ended early. By sunset, streets emptied, shops closed, and residents retreated indoors to escape the cold and frequent power cuts.
This winter, the pattern has changed.
Following the completion of key phases of the Srinagar Smart City Project, parts of the city center are remaining active well into the night. New lighting, pedestrian zones, and heated public spaces have reshaped how both residents and visitors experience Srinagar after dark, even during Chillai Kalan, the coldest period of the year.
Polo View, Reimagined
At the center of this shift is Polo View Market, now Kashmir’s first fully pedestrianized, wire-free commercial street. Once a narrow and congested shopping area, it has been redesigned with underground cabling, wide walkways, and uniform street lighting.
On winter evenings, shops stay open until about 10 p.m. Cafes place gas heaters along the sidewalks, allowing customers to sit outside despite freezing temperatures. Visitors gather with cups of hot kahwa while browsing shawls, handicrafts, and winter clothing.
Victorian-style street lamps line the road, giving the area the appearance of a European winter market, a contrast to the shuttered streets that once defined Srinagar’s nights.
Along the Jhelum River
A few minutes away, the Jhelum Riverfront, stretching from Rajbagh to Zero Bridge, has become another focal point for evening activity.
The promenade is fully lit, drawing families and couples out for walks after dinner. Near Zero Bridge, small groups of local musicians occasionally perform Sufi music, informal gatherings rather than scheduled events.
Designated food zones along the river host mobile vendors selling hot snacks, including grilled trout and local wraps. City officials say the aim has been to provide street food in a controlled, hygienic setting, especially during peak tourist season.
A New Option for Winter Travelers
With accommodation in hill resorts like Gulmarg often sold out during the New Year period, Srinagar’s revitalized public spaces are offering an alternative evening experience.
On December 31, Zero Bridge emerged as an informal gathering point for residents and visitors alike, offering a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere than the crowded areas around Dal Lake.
While Srinagar does not resemble a conventional nightlife city, the changes are notable. For the first time in years, winter nights here are no longer defined by darkness and closure, but by light, movement, and the slow return of public life to the streets.
