Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals, with 1.70 crore tourists having visited the region by September this year, as reported by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Last year, the region set a record with 1.88 crore tourist arrivals, highlighting the continued appeal of this beautiful destination.
Notably, foreign tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir have seen an impressive 350% increase this year, particularly in the wake of the G20 meeting held in May. This surge in international visitors reflects the positive impact of hosting global events on the tourism sector.
A key development aimed at enhancing tourism is the introduction of the Vistadome rail coach, inaugurated by Sinha at the Nowgam railway station. This state-of-the-art coach boasts advanced entertainment features and seating options. With its unique features like rotational seats, a transparent glass roof, and windows offering panoramic 360-degree views, the Vistadome coach is poised to become a major attraction for tourists.
“Srinagar hosted the G20 meeting (the third tourism working group meeting of the G20 member countries) and post that, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in J-K has gone up by 350 per cent from the last year,” the LG stated.
“It will not only ferry travellers from Budgam to Banihal, but also provide livelihood opportunities to the youth at Budgam, Qazigund, and Banihal stations. The coach will help tourists see Kashmir’s beauty with a new perspective,” he attached.
Sinha emphasized that the Vistadome coach will play a pivotal role in further boosting tourism in Jammu & Kashmir. He also stressed that this initiative is part of the region’s broader developmental journey, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and tourism development.
“It is a glass-top coach with wide windows, rotating chairs, so that the passengers can enjoy the Kashmir valley’s panoramic look especially in the coming winter season. It is expected to give a major boost to tourism in the Kashmir valley. It will run from Budgam to Banihal in the morning, and in the evening, it will run from Banihal to Budgam. It will run six days a week,” Yusuf stated.
In conclusion, the increase in tourist arrivals and the introduction of the Vistadome rail coach are positive developments for Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism industry, promising to benefit both the local economy and travelers eager to explore the natural beauty of the region.
