Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 6: Amidst the slump in tourism activities post Pahalgam terror attack, the flagging off of two Vande Bharat Express trains at Katra on Friday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen as a major step towards giving a boost to the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the valley.
The tourism players, including hoteliers, houseboat owners and tour operators, have expressed happiness over the arrival of semi-high-speed trains, saying that it will encourage tourists to travel to the valley.
Zubair, a hotel owner from Srinagar, said the launch of the Vande Bharat trains and the completion of key railway bridges is a game-changer for Kashmir’s hospitality industry.
“Improved connectivity means more tourists can visit comfortably and quickly, which will directly increase hotel bookings and occupancy rates. It not only helps revive tourism but also encourages investment in new facilities and services,” he said.
Bilal Ahmad, a tour operator, said the Vande Bharat trains, as well as the completion of the rail link, are a milestone for Kashmir’s tourism industry. “These trains offer speed and comfort, which are very important for travellers,” he said.
“It will open up new opportunities for adventure tourism, pilgrimages to Vaishno Devi and recreational travel. Tourists can now plan shorter trips without worrying about long or difficult journeys,” Ahmad added.
Gowhar, a houseboat owner from Srinagar, said the arrival of these modern trains and better rail links is excellent news for the tourism sector here in Kashmir. “More convenient and faster travel will encourage more tourists, especially families and solo travellers visiting Srinagar and surrounding areas,” he said.
He added that for houseboat owners, this means more guests and “a chance to revive our livelihoods, which have been hit hard in recent years”. (KNO)
