Direct Rail Link to boost tourism: Dir Tourism

Srinagar, May 04: Improved mobility will drive a rise in tourist numbers and reshape travel patterns in J&K, Director Tourism Syed Qamar Sajad said after the announcement of the Vande Bharat Express service connecting Jammu and Srinagar.

He said better transportation will allow tourists to travel quickly and return within a short span, making brief visits more common. With faster connectivity, visitors can arrive early in the morning and leave by evening, reducing the need for longer stays while increasing overall footfall.

 “Mobility can bring in more tourists. When there is good transportation, it gives people the opportunity to come quickly and go quickly,” Sajad said.

He noted that the improved service will encourage short trips, including one-night and two-night stays, while also attracting visitors who have limited time. “Some people who have very little time can even visit in the evening and return,” he said.

According to him, increased mobility will expand tourist numbers even if the duration of visits becomes shorter. “More mobility means more tourists. They have the option to go back in the shortest span,” he said, adding that this flexibility will lead to larger numbers over shorter periods.

The Director also said the direct rail link will also connect Jammu’s hotel industry with Srinagar’s tourism sector in a more compact way. This closer integration is expected to support business activity across both Jammu & Kashmir and create a smoother travel circuit for visitors.

 “It has connected the hotel industry of Jammu as well as the tourist business of Srinagar in a more compact way,” he said.

He added that ease of movement will create momentum in the tourism sector, with a steady flow of visitors arriving and departing within shorter timeframes. The shift, he said, will be marked by “larger numbers, shorter spans,” as accessibility improves and travel becomes more convenient.

Officials view the introduction of the Vande Bharat service as a key step in strengthening tourism infrastructure in J&K, with expectations that improved connectivity will continue to draw more visitors and support the local economy.