River cruise, open roof buses to promote tourism: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the State Government would promote river cruises and open-roof buses as additional facilities to give fillip to heritage and pilgrim tourism in the State. Intervening during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister said, “we are going to initiate several new measures in order to give required boost to the heritage and pilgrim tourism particularly in the Capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar”. “As far as measures to promote Shahr-e-Khaas as pilgrim and heritage destination in Srinagar is concerned, special cruises will operate in river Jhelum exclusively to Khanqah-e-Moula, Zaina Kadal and the historic Jamia Masjid”, he said while disclosing that several destinations have already been identified for tourism promotion. He further said that open roof bus service for city sightseeing would also be introduced in both the Capital cities of the State. “Tourism is the mainstay of our economy and we are committed to initiate all possible measures to tap potential wherever available”, Mufti Sayeed added. Admitting that Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) cafeterias all along the Lakhanpur-Srinagar National Highway are in deplorable condition, he said, “we are planning to outsource all these properties for better results”, adding “Government will vastly improve wayside facilities along major road networks in the State to facilitate the passengers as well as tourists”. The Chief Minister said the Government would also take steps to develop Shikargah in Tral as a tourist destination.