J&K govt considering building ropeway to Amarnath shrine

The Jammu and Kashmir government is considering building a two-phase ropeway to the Amarnath shrine to make the pilgrimage easier for elderly people and those with disabilities.

 

Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha shared this plan during a meeting of tourism secretaries from Union Territories in Srinagar.

 

Sinha said the proposed ropeway is aimed at improving pilgrimage services and encouraging religious tourism in the Union Territory, and that the administration is committed to making spiritual destinations more accessible and traveller-friendly.

 

The LG added that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has grown steadily in recent years and is drawing more visitors from both India and abroad.

 

He credited the progress to strong leadership at the national level and praised efforts made to strengthen the tourism sector.

 

He said Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with snow-covered mountains, quiet lakes, spiritual sites, fruit orchards, and scenic meadows.

 

The government, he said, has improved well-known tourist circuits and also started work on developing new ones to ensure that benefits from tourism reach all parts of the Union Territory.

 

He stressed that a safe and peaceful environment is key for tourism to grow. He appreciated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for rejecting violence and said public support is vital in keeping the region peaceful.

 

The LG also mentioned progress on a separate ropeway project for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. However, the project has faced opposition from local workers, pony operators, and shopkeepers, who fear it might harm their livelihood. They have requested compensation from the government.

 

The meeting was attended by Union Tourism Secretary V. Vidyavathi, senior officials, and tourism experts from across the country.

 

This year’s Amarnath Yatra is taking place under high security due to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. A layered security arrangement and advanced technology are being used to keep the devotees safe.

India