Vikas Sharma
JAMMU, Oct 11: After a long wait, the construction of the heritage cafeteria at Mubarak Mandi has finally been completed, with the facility expected to open to the public soon as part of the Mubarak Mandi Palace Redevelopment Project.
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The ambitious project involved converting the old library building into a heritage-style cafeteria with a dedicated library inside, blending modern amenities with the grandeur of Jammu’s royal past.
Work on the project began in May 2022 and was undertaken by Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL).
Located within the historic Mubarak Mandi complex, the cafeteria aims to offer a unique royal ambiance for visitors. While civil and electrical works are now complete, final touches such as furniture installation and interior arrangements are currently underway.
An investment of Rs 3.29 crore has been made in this initiative, which seeks to boost tourism, preserve heritage and promote education in the region.
Earlier this year, JSCL had announced plans to inaugurate the facility in June 2025 as part of a broader revitalization effort that includes several redevelopment projects across the Mubarak Mandi complex. However, the launch was delayed due to administrative reasons, despite multiple reports in early and mid-2025 indicating that the café was “all set for launch” or “likely to start soon.”
While the project was originally slated for completion by October 2025, the café missed its anticipated opening window.
The delay, officials said, was primarily due to the pending No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned department.
Confirming the status, Vivek Chopra, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), JSCL, said, “The project has been completed now. The reason behind the delay in inauguration was the pending NOC from the concerned department. Now that we have received it, the cafeteria cum library will open for the public in a matter of days or a couple of weeks.”
“Set within the grand Mubarak Mandi Palace, the newly developed cafeteria will offer visitors a unique royal ambiance. I want to assure the people and students that they will have a refreshing new experience when they visit,” he informed.
The Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMHS) is overseeing the redevelopment project to ensure that the site’s architectural and historical value remains intact.
Plans are also underway to hand over the day-to-day operations of the cafeteria-cum-library to a private agency, with the tendering process already initiated and scheduled to be conclude within days.
The heritage cafeteria will immerse visitors in the regal atmosphere of the Dogra rulers, featuring luxurious indoor and outdoor seating equipped with central air conditioning for all-weather comfort.
The library section within the complex will focus exclusively on the history of Jammu and Kashmir, offering visitors a chance to read about the region’s formation, rulers and historical milestones, all while enjoying tea or coffee in a majestic, heritage setting.
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