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The Jammu and Kashmir government is enhancing pilgrim tourism by developing dedicated circuits in Jammu to encourage Mata Vaishno Devi visitors to explore other regional attractions. Three-day, four-day, and seven-day tourism packages will be introduced, along with infrastructure upgrades under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and State Capex Budget. Key projects include musical fountains, a ropeway, an amusement park, and heritage site preservation. Inspired by Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Tamil Nadu's pilgrimage circuits, Jammu aims to boost its economy, improve transport, and modernize its tourism sector while preserving cultural heritage through Smart City initiatives.
The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to enhance its tourism offerings with the development of dedicated pilgrim tourism circuits in Jammu. Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah announced this initiative to encourage visitors to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine to explore additional attractions in the region. With approximately one crore pilgrims visiting the shrine annually, Abdullah emphasized the potential to divert 10-15% of these visitors to other local destinations, which would significantly benefit the local economy and tourism industry. Advertisement
The government plans to offer three-day, four-day, and seven-day packages to promote various sites in Jammu, ensuring that pilgrims extend their stay and explore more of what the region has to offer. This initiative aims to highlight Jammu's unique attractions and boost its tourism sector, which has traditionally been focused around the Vaishno Devi shrine. While the region is a major pilgrimage hub, Abdullah acknowledged the challenge of drawing visitors to other sites. To address this, the government is committed to improving Jammu's tourism infrastructure and marketing lesser-known destinations.
The Jammu administration is actively working on a number of projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the State Capex Budget. Notable developments include the installation of musical water fountains with light and sound shows at Bagh-e-Bahu, the improvement of facilities at Sidhra Golf Course, and the construction of new tourism amenities at Bhagwati Nagar. Additionally, the Capex Budget for 2024-25 includes a ropeway project connecting Mohmaya to Bagh-e-Bahu, an amusement park near Sidhra Golf Course, and several other infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) is also driving efforts to improve the city's infrastructure, with projects focused on preserving and enhancing historical landmarks like Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi, and Raghunath Bazaar. The Smart City initiative also includes the rehabilitation of temples and ghats, aiming to create a more attractive and sustainable environment for both pilgrims and tourists. Moreover, road and transport improvements are a priority, with pedestrian-friendly pathways, major road enhancements, and the introduction of electric buses for sustainable public transport.
A major project under development is the Tawi riverfront redevelopment, which will feature promenades, cycling tracks, and leisure spaces. To enhance the city's visual appeal, facade lighting will be installed on landmarks such as Bahu Fort, the Army headquarters at Mubarak Mandi, the Maha Maya Temple, and all Tawi bridges. The Chief Minister highlighted that these efforts aim to preserve Jammu's rich cultural heritage while transforming it into a modern, tourist-friendly city.
In similar developments, Varanasi, the government introduced the "Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project," which aims to enhance the experience for pilgrims visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This project includes the development of nearby heritage sites, improved infrastructure like pedestrian walkways, and better amenities. It has already attracted significant investments, not only in tourism but also in local businesses, creating a model of how pilgrim tourism can be expanded to encompass more regional destinations.
Similarly, in Rishikesh, the Uttarakhand government has focused on expanding its religious tourism circuit by introducing packages that include not only the famous Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan but also excursions to nearby spiritual destinations like the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Rajaji National Park. The expansion of these circuits, coupled with infrastructure improvements, has contributed to Rishikesh becoming a year-round destination for both pilgrims and adventure seekers. The successful model of promoting a blend of spirituality and nature-based tourism could be a valuable reference for Jammu's initiative.
Additionally, in Tamil Nadu, the state government has implemented a comprehensive tourist circuit connecting several key pilgrimage sites like the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, and the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. The development of infrastructure, including improved transport facilities, heritage conservation, and the promotion of cultural festivals, has led to a steady increase in tourist arrivals, significantly boosting the local economy.
Jammu's focus on improving its tourism infrastructure through projects like musical water fountains, ropeways, and electric buses mirrors similar efforts in cities like Darjeeling and Manali, where tourism-centric infrastructure has played a key role in attracting visitors. The smart city initiatives in Jammu, such as the preservation of Bahu Fort and Raghunath Bazaar, also align with efforts seen in cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, where the preservation of heritage sites alongside modern amenities has enhanced both tourism and local pride.
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