Emergency and Utility Services in Jammu Kashmir

Jammu Kashmir is often known for its enchanting tourist destinations. This state is rich on natural resources and beauty. From soaring Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal ranges to meandering woods and meadows, the state offers you lots of varieties to explore for tourism. However, the state has suffered the grunt of militancy for lot many years. But it has evolved from these bruises and today, it offers better lifestyle to its residents.

Due to flourishing tourism industry, the administration at state and local level is striving hard to offer these services to travelers as well. Hence, in Jammu Kashmir, you can find all essential public utilities and emergency services to make living and staying easier for everyone. Let us explore the services in public utilities domain and preparedness of state to tackle any emergency situation as such.

Jammu Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services

It is one of the leading departments of Jammu and Kashmir serving the whole state. This department has set up emergency fire stations at every district and each vital location of state. Today they are not only doing fire fighting work but accomplishing many other jobs as well to save lives of people in Jammu Kashmir.

Fire Stations in Jammu Region

Taking pride as fourth largest fire service in the country, JK Fire and Emergency Services department has set up many fire stations across the Jammu region. These stations/posts are working at district level to provide services to the residents even in remote areas of the region. Main fire stations in Jammu region are:

Fire & Emergency Station, Gandhi Nagar
Phone No: 2435283, 2457705, 2450134

Fire & Emergency Station, Jammu City
Phone No: 0191 - 2544263

Fire & Emergency Station, Canal, Jammu
Phone No: 0191 - 2554046

Fire & Emergency Station, Mubarak Mandi, Jammu
Phone No: 2101019

Doda Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01996 - 233458

Kishtwar Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01995 - 259331

Kathua Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01922 - 234313, 232128

Poonch Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01965 - 220145

Rajouri Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 201962, 261650

Ramban Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01998 - 266365

Reasi Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01991 - 282244

Katra Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01991 - 232451

Samba Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01923 - 243280

Udhampur Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01992 - 270897

Also See: Fire Stations in Jammu

Fire Stations in Kashmir Region

Kashmir region is one of the toughest places to tackle any emergency requirement. Hence, JKFES Department endeavors hard to reach out to its mountainous regions and hilly areas as well to provide their services to the people. It has established fire stations in all the districts and these stations are enhanced with necessary equipments as well. The main fire stations in Kashmir region are:

Fire & Emergency Station (Head Quarters), Srinagar
Phone No: 2452155, 2479488

Fire & Emergency Station, Anantnag
Phone No: 01932 - 222443

Fire & Emergency Station, Baramullah
Phone No: 01952 - 234222

Budgam Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01951- 255222

Bandipora Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01957 - 225222

Kupwara Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01955 - 252222

Kulgam Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01931 - 260222, 215604

Ganderbal Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 2416390, 2416060

Fire & Emergency Station, Pulwama
Phone No: 241222

Shopian Fire & Emergency Station
Phone No: 01933 - 260222

Blood Banks in Jammu Kashmir

Blood banks in Jammu Kashmir play an imperative role in the terminology of emergency services. There is large setup of blood banks across the state to serve the people. The network of blood banks consists of government institutions and private organization which are offering impeccable social service to population of Jammu Kashmir. There are nearly 50 small and large blood banks established throughout the state at district and regional level. District level blood banks are operated by main office of Jammu Kashmir. These blood bank branches are established in all the districts of Jammu Kashmir.

Blood Banks in Jammu Region

Jammu is densely populated region of this state. It has high concentration of medical institutes. People from far flung areas also visit Jammu city for medical treatments. Blood banks of Jammu play an important role as life saver for the patient suffering from severe diseases or critical conditions. These blood banks work day and night for service to the people. Most of the government hospitals in Jammu have established blood banks here while some private hospitals are also providing life saving services to the people of this region. Main blood banks in Jammu region are:

• Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu
• S.M.G.S. Hospital, Shalamar Road, Jammu
• Government Hospital, Gandhinagar, Jammu
• Bee Enn General Hospital, Talab-Tillo, Jammu
• Acharya Shri Chandra College of Medical Education, Sidhra, Jammu
• 166-Military Hospital, C/o 156-A.P. O., Satwari
• District Blood Bank, Kathua
• Blood Bank, Distt. Hospital, Rajouri
• Blood Bank, Distt. Hospital, Poonch
• District Blood Bank, Udhampur
• Blood Bank, Accidental Hospital, Ramban
• District Blood Bank, Doda
  

Blood Banks in Kashmir Region

Kashmir region is much bigger and an important part of Jammu Kashmir. Government Medical College and few charitable hospitals are engaged in completing blood demand from various medical institutions of Kashmir. They are mainly located in different parts of Srinagar. The major blood banks of Kashmir region are:

1. Blood Bank, Govt Medical College, Srinagar

2. Blood Bank, SKIMS Hospital, Srinagar

3. Blood Bank, Bone & Joints Hospital, Srinagar

4. Blood Bank, Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar

5. Blood Bank, Distt. Hospital, Anantnag

6. Blood Bank, Distt. Hospital, Baramulla

7. Blood Bank, District Hospital Budgam

8. Blood Bank, Distt. Hospital, Handwara

9. Blood Bank, District Hospital Pulwama

10. Blood Bank, J.L.M.N Hospital Srinagar

Ambulance Services in Jammu Kashmir

Ambulance Service is the main lifeline of emergency services in valley. Though, it is not excellent, but ample enough to support emergency requirement of Jammu Kashmir. Ambulance services are deployed in all 22 districts of Jammu Kashmir. Fifty well developed and equipped with life support system ambulances are infused at all districts under the national health program NRHM. They are stationed at every 30 km on highways to meet emergency in accident cases. Alongside, twenty five ambulances with critical care unit have been functioned at every district to comply with services required in serious cases.



The toll free number 108 is circulated among the general public, so that they can call for help during crunch situations. These ambulances are working 24 X 7 in valley to give services. They are directly connected to district hospitals/ Health centers and medical college/ hospitals through the control room set up at Jammu and Srinagar. Control room also looks for pre arrangements at hospital while these ambulances are on the way to hospital to avoid any waste of time.

Ambulance Services in Jammu Region

Jammu is an important region of state that possesses large number of health care services and hospitals. It attracts people from remote areas for better health treatment and excellent medical attention. Ambulance services are deployed in the city by private hospitals, charitable institutes, and government medical institutes. The main people offering ambulance services in Jammu are:

BEE ENN General Hospital
Phone No: 0191 - 2552086

Suvidha Mother & Child Nursing Home
Phone No: 0191 - 2555965, 2555830

SHS Memorial Nursing Home
Phone No: 0191 - 2580754

Amphalla Chowk, Amphalla, Jammu
Phone No: 9797416851, 9419138182

Dabgotra Charitable Trust Ambulance Services, Jammu
Phone No: 9419189218, 9419162630

Also See: Ambulance Services in Jammu

Ambulance Services in Kashmir Region

Srinagar is vital location in the region of Kashmir. There are many adjoining remote areas for which Srinagar serve as regional hub. Srinagar is also key location of health care services. Ambulances, a main component of health industry are installed in major hospitals of Srinagar to facilitate transfer of patients from one place to other. Air ambulance service is also found in valley at Srinagar to lift patients to Delhi or Mumbai. Ambulance services available in Srinagar are:

Air Ambulance Services
Domestic Airport, Srinagar
Phone No: 9998111179

Husaini Ambulance, Srinagar
Phone No: 0194 – 2434313

Banking Services in Jammu Kashmir

Some decades ago, finding a bank branch in remote areas of Jammu Kashmir used to be a daunting task. But this situation has changed now. From leading multinational private banks to large nationalized banks, you can find them all in the state. These banks are providing required boost to the local economy. Also, they are offering immaculate banking services to the people of state. These include saving accounts, investment services and network of ATMs for easy banking. Most of the banks in Jammu Kashmir are connected through core banking system to facilitate internet banking as well.

Jammu Kashmir has more than 600 branches of private banks that include 25 branches of ICICI Bank, 64 branches of HDFC Bank, and 26 branches of Axis Bank. All these banks find immense growth potential in Jammu Kashmir due to its agrarian economy. Today, it has 177 branches of SBI and Associated banks and 218 branches of other nationalized banks. The figures are quite promising for economic development of this state.

Apart from these, there are many co-operative banks incepted in Jammu & Kashmir to accentuate pace of business economy in the state. District Central Co-operative Bank, Urban Co-operative, J&K State Co-operative Bank, and J&K State Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank are the main initiatives operating in the state. Co-operative banks have their penetration deep in rural areas and major schemes of government are available through these only. Baramullah Central Co-operative Bank ltd, Jammu Central Co-operative Bank Ltd, Kashmir Mercantile co-operative Bank Ltd, Devika Urban Co-operative Bank, JAKFED, CONFED, and J&K Co-operative Housing Corporation are also important institutions in Jammu Kashmir.

Let us know about the top 5 banks that have established and flourished banking services in Jammu Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Bank:

The history of banking services in Jammu Kashmir dates back to 1939 when the foundation of Jammu and Kashmir Bank was laid by Maharaja Hari Singh with finances from leading businessmen of the state. It is one of the premier banks in private sector that has made banking services accessible to the people residing in distant areas as well. It has headquarters in Srinagar and today, it has its branches in all districts of the state.

Also See: J&K Banks in Anantnag

State Bank of India in Jammu Kashmir

State Bank of India, the largest nationalized bank of India, is second in the region of Jammu Kashmir. It has more than 60 branches located at different parts of state along with infinite numbers of ATMs. The bank is rapidly opening its branches in interior areas along with capturing geographically outreached locations of Jammu Kashmir. Anantnag, Baramullah, Kupwara, Kishtwar, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Kargil, Pulwama, Rajouri, Udhampur and other important districts and towns are possessing branches of SBI in their arena.

Also See: SBI in Anantnag

HDFC Bank in Jammu Kashmir

HDFC is the largest private sector bank in Jammu & Kashmir. It has more than 64 branches operating in valley with numbers of ATMs. HDFC began its journey in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir in the year 2005. Since then it is no looking back. Despite of such turbulences caused by terrorism, they have made tremendous growth in the financial field of Jammu & Kashmir. Today, HDFC is trusted name in banking sector in this region and it is playing important part in its development.

Punjab National Bank in Jammu Kashmir

Punjab National Bank is another big lender and depositor of Kashmir Valley. It has incorporated large number of branches in major districts of Jammu & Kashmir to offer superb banking solutions to people. PNB has established its branches in districts like Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Doda, Udhampur, Pulwama, along with other important locations. PNB is empowering people of Jammu Kashmir with high-tech banking experience along with wide range of services.

Also See: PnB Banks in Anantnag

Axis Bank in Jammu Kashmir

Axis Bank is a pioneer in the banking field. This multinational private bank in India has opened more than 25 branches in Jammu Kashmir. Out of these branches, 14 are opened in the areas that were completely cut off from any baking service since decades. As such, it has played the role of catalyst to introduce people of these regions to the modern banking system. It has also installed ATMs at the highest locations across Kashmir and Leh Ladakh region.

Also See: Banks in Anantnag | Banks in Jammu | ATMs in Srinagar

Municipal Services in Jammu Kashmir

To provide better civic amenities to the people of state, Jammu Kashmir government has set up infrastructure of local self government in the state. It works through municipal councils and boards at local level. There are two major municipal corporations at Jammu and Srinagar. Apart from them, the state has 9 municipal councils at Kathua, Udhampur, Leh, Anantnag, Rajouri, Sopore, Baramulla, Poonch, and Bandipora.



These councils work at district level for providing essential services to the people. They look after sanitation, road development, health, schools, lighting, cleanliness, etc. within their municipal limits. Also, there are 21 Municipal boards in this state. All these municipal bodies collectively offer services to the people and they make every city of the state better to live.

Health Services in Jammu Kashmir

Providing health services to everyone is quite challenging job due to its rough terrains and difficult conditions. But the health department of the state along with private institutions is working wonderfully in this direction. In the recent years, health statistics have largely improved here with fertility rate of 2.3, sex ratio of 892, and infant mortality rate of 51. The state government is providing complete aid to the health services by working from grass roots level. As such, there are 1907 sub centers, 375 primary health centres, and 85 community health centres working in villages and other remote regions. Also, the workforce of health workers is sufficient in the state to take these services to every member of society. There are:

• 1794 Multipurpose Female workers at sub centres
• 27 female assistants at Primary Health Centres
• 89 male assistants at Primary Health Centres
• 451 Doctors at Primary Health Centres
• 28 Gynecologists and Obstetricians at Community Health Centres
• 44 Physicians at Community Health Centres
• 17 pediatricians at Community Health Centres
• 135 specialists at Community Health Centres
• 557 Pharmacists
• 396 Lab Technicians
• 59 Radiographers
• 403 Nurses
  
  

To take health services to urban areas, there are many reputed government and private hospitals in major cities. However, most of these hospitals are concentrated in Jammu and Srinagar. Total number of district hospitals in state is 22, i.e., one in each district. There are 2 Ayurvedic and 2 Unani hospitals. These figures are promising due to the fact that the state still lags behind in some primary infrastructural facilities. To make health services more effective, state government runs schemes like NRHM, RSBY, and National Family Welfare Programme as well in the state. To know more, click here.

Also See: Health in Anantnag | Chemist Shops in Anantnag | Hospitals in Anantnag | Health in Jammu | Nursing Homes in Jammu | Healthcare in Leh

Postal and Courier Services in Jammu Kashmir

In Jammu Kashmir, postal department has done an exceptional job to provide all the postal services to people in the remotest pockets of state. The postal service here has been largely changed from simple mailing to include all other services in its gamut. Today, the state has well laid out network of post offices which include country’s first and only Floating Post Offices as well. The department has introduced latest products for offering services to people.



They have infused fresh energy in this traditional communication mode through use of modern techniques and skilled staff at every level. Even the look of post offices has been improvised to attract more customers towards them. Jammu and Kashmir Postal Circle looks after these services under supervision of General Chief Post Master. Department has 6 postal divisions in the state with 9 Head Post Offices, 260 Sub Post Offices, and 1432 Branch Post Offices. Services offered by them include speed post, letter post, money order, parcel post, postal life insurance, money transfer, post office savings bank, gold coin services, and bill mail services.

The state also has many leading national and international courier services. These services aid the local businesses and handicrafts through nationwide and worldwide delivery of documents and goods. Jammu Kashmir has shown better prospects of growth in recent times. These prospects are furthered with an efficient delivery system offered by courier services. Main courier companies available in state are Blue Dart, DTDC, Flyking, Shree Maruti, Gati, Skyline, etc.

Transport Services in Jammu Kashmir

Transport is the lifeline of any region. Not only it pushes the economic growth, but efficient transport also facilitates tourism. In a tourism centric state like Jammu Kashmir, transport plays a major role. It helps easy movement to the rough terrains of the state. The state boasts of all transport means. However, roads are the actual connecting link for its mountainous and rugged routes. Construction of roads and railways tracks is quite tough task. The authorities have to literally cut the mountains of Himalayan ranges and Pir Panjal ranges to create routes for movement of roads and railways.


Jammu Tawi to Pathankot was the first railway line in the state. Today, Jammu Kashmir has long network of railways, some of which connect the toughest destinations of state. On this line alone, there are more than 10 railway stations. The railway tracks built during recent years in state focus on engineering genius of railway department. With railway link between Jammu and Udhampur, they have connected Kashmir valley with Jammu region giving thrust to both economy and tourism in the state. Another such important link connects Anantnag and Baramulla.

Roads are the best way to commute in the state of Jammu Kashmir. The old roads and routes of Kashmir connecting with Jammu and other regions of Himalayan ranges include Banihal Pass. But later with development of the state, it was given excellent roads and highways including National Highway 1A connecting Jammu-Srinagar-Leh. It is one of the busiest road routes in the country. The whole of Jammu Kashmir has metallic roads reaching out to the villages. In vale of Kashmir and Ladakh region, these roads are the predominant means of transport. The state has many state highways as well.



Air transport is also quite effective medium to reach Jammu Kashmir, though; it does not have too many commercial airports. Currently, Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh are the cities connected through air transport. There are regular flights from Delhi to Srinagar and Jammu for international tourists. During winters, more people prefer taking aerial route because most of the routes are blocked due to snowfall and landslides. To know more, click here.

Also See: Transport in Anantnag | Transport in Jammu | Bus Service Providers in Jammu | Taxi Services in Jammu | Transport in Srinagar | Transporter in Srinagar

Communication Services in Jammu Kashmir

Communication is quite an essential service as required by the people living in extreme conditions like Jammu Kashmir. The state is growing in terms of business and economy. Also, it has high influx of tourists visiting the state all through the year. The state has its unique communication system. The new telecom policy of India is not applicable to the state. As such, the roaming facility, available to prepaid users in rest of the country, is not given to the visitors of Jammu Kashmir. Also, it is quite hard to find prepaid connections in the state due to security reasons.



BSNL is the major telecom provider in Jammu Kashmir. It is the only basic telephony service provider of the state. It has made telecommunication facilities accessible to people in remote areas as well. Currently, it has 5 secondary switching areas and 361 telephone exchanges across the state. Also, it has more than 42, 000 broad band connection in Jammu Kashmir. Idea Cellular, Vodafone, and Reliance are the other telecom service providers in this state.

Insurance Services in Jammu Kashmir

Insurance Services are highly required in difficult living conditions of Jammu Kashmir. Insurance gives the people courage to face the natural calamities that strike this region from time to time. Landslides, earthquakes, chilling winters, and recently occurred floods have proven the need of insurance in the state. These services give a shield against such unforeseen events to the people and property in Jammu Kashmir.



The major insurance companies functional in Jammu and Kashmir presently are PnB Metlife, LIC, Aegon Religare, Aviva Life Insurance, HDFC Life Insurance, ING Bank Insurance, Exide Life Insurance, Kotak Life Insurance and The Oriental Insurance Company. Postal Department also offers postal life insurance to the people residing in rural areas.

These are the prominent services offered at district and state level by the government and private institutions of Jammu Kashmir. Apart from these, there are many other utilities that are also provided to the people. Collectively, they are making life easier for the people residing in the state and travelers visiting here.