Jammu & Kashmir to promote river cruises to give fillip to tourism: Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir government will promote river cruises and open-roof buses to give fillip to heritage and pilgrim tourism in the state.

While intervening in a supplementary during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly today, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said, "the state government will promote river cruises and open-roof buses as add-on facilities to give fillip to heritage and pilgrim tourism in the state."

Referring to the measures taken by the government to promote Shahr-e-Khaas as a pilgrim and heritage destination in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said special cruises will operate in river Jhelum exclusively to Khanqah-e-Moula, Zaina Kadal and the historic Jamia Masjid.

Sayeed said open-roof bus service for city sightseeing will also be introduced in both the capital cities. A few of these buses have already started operations in Srinagar, he said.

Emphasising upon the need to outsource all properties of JKTDC along the National Highway, the Chief Minister said the government will vastly improve wayside facilities along major road networks in the state to facilitate the passengers as well as tourists.

He said public conveniences at all transit points along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will be renovated for the comfort of the visitors.

The Chief Minister said the government will also take steps to develop Shikargah in Tral as a tourist destination.