early times report
Srinagar, Nov 3: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and BJP Senior Leader Gulam Ali Khatana has welcomed the NIA’s approval for the Baisaran Cable Car Project in Pahalgam, calling it a major step towards boosting tourism, creating local employment, and attracting international visitors to Jammu and Kashmir.
Khatana expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for their commitment to peace, development, and sustainable tourism in the Union Territory. He said the project demonstrates the Centre’s vision of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a world-class destination for nature and adventure tourism.
The upcoming eco-friendly cable car will connect Baisaran with Pahalgam town, enhancing accessibility for both domestic and foreign tourists. Khatana said the project will give a strong push to the homestay culture, which will create local jobs, promote Kashmir’s traditional hospitality, and directly benefit tribal and rural families. He added that this initiative will encourage youth and women to participate in the tourism economy by managing guesthouses, showcasing local cuisine, and promoting handicrafts and cultural experiences. It will also help preserve the region’s cultural heritage while promoting sustainable, community-driven tourism.
Khatana appreciated Home Minister Amit Shah for consistently supporting initiatives that empower local and tribal communities through tourism-led economic activity. “Such projects ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person, strengthening both livelihoods and local pride,” he said.
He also commended Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for expediting trekking routes for international tourists, many of which had been suspended after the Pahalgam terror incident. “Restoring these routes will not only bring back foreign visitors but also revive confidence in Kashmir’s tourism potential,” Khatana noted.
He further said that foreign tourists, who earlier faced challenges in obtaining travel permissions, are now getting passes more easily — a development that is helping rebuild global confidence and increase foreign footfall in Kashmir.
Khatana added that the Baisaran Cable Car Project perfectly aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making Jammu and Kashmir a global destination for eco and adventure tourism. “This approval will open new avenues of opportunity for local people, homestay owners, and tribal families, while strengthening Kashmir’s image on the global tourism map,” he said.
He reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to ensuring timely completion of people-centric projects that promote peace, prosperity, and progress across Jammu and Kashmir. |
