JAMMU, APRIL 18: The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, reviewed a detailed roadmap for tourism development in the Jammu division during a meeting focused on strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. The Department of Tourism unveiled five major tourism circuits and announced new initiatives to promote multi-day tourist stays, eco-tourism, and adventure activities across the region.
The proposed circuits include the Katra–Shivkhori Circuit, focusing on pilgrimage, adventure, and heritage; the Chenab Valley Circuit, covering Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, and Doda with trekking and white-water rafting opportunities; the Samba–Kathua Circuit, highlighting religious and water-based tourism; the Pir Panjal Circuit, featuring alpine treks and fort tourism in Rajouri and Poonch; and several alpine trails mapped for offbeat adventure and eco-tourism, including Chandann Sar and Nandan Sar.
The department proposed a Rs 4 crore project under CAPEX 2025–26 to develop a paragliding facility at Aithem, complete with lounges, cafés, sunset points, and public utilities. At the Chenab Railway Bridge—the world’s highest—the department is setting up a Tourist Information Centre and branding initiatives with audio-visual elements to enhance visitor experience.
Plans for the Suchetgarh border site include expanding the pavilion to accommodate 3,000 visitors and setting up a museum to develop the site as a year-round border tourism destination. The Baradari Rafting Centre in Reasi is set for institutional development, including the formation of rafting associations, standardised pricing, and revival of UT and national-level competitions.
The Chief Secretary instructed the tourism department to enhance promotional efforts, particularly through social media platforms and influencers. He called for the early finalisation of the Homestay Policy and the design of a loan product to support homestay enterprises. Emphasis was placed on training local youth for tourism-related professions and ensuring safety in adventure activities.
Promotional efforts include the release of high-quality brochures, thematic leaflets, and district-specific collaterals. Jammu’s tourism offerings have been featured at leading travel marts such as SATTE (Delhi) and OTM (Mumbai), and the hosting of PGTI Golf Tournaments at the Jammu Tawi Golf Course is now a regular feature aimed at enhancing the region’s tourism profile.
Tourism stakeholders expressed support for the proposed initiatives and confirmed their readiness to market the new circuits and packages.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal; Secretary, PWD; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Reasi, and Udhampur; Director, Tourism, Jammu; and officials from the tourism department. Also present were representatives from the travel and hospitality sectors, including hoteliers and traders.
