Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the government will introduce pilgrim tourism circuits in the Jammu region to capitalize on the annual influx of one crore pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishnodevi shrine. Speaking in the assembly during Question Hour, Abdullah emphasized that diverting even 10 to 15 percent of these pilgrims to other regional destinations could significantly benefit local communities.

“We aim to create three, four, and seven-day tourism packages to promote lesser-known pilgrimage and tourist spots in Jammu,” Abdullah said in response to BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi. He noted that many pilgrims remain unaware of the region’s diverse attractions and stressed the need for better publicity to showcase Jammu’s unique destinations. “Our challenge is to redirect these visitors, and we’ve yet to fully succeed,” he admitted.

The tourism department has been working to enhance infrastructure under the State Capex Budget and Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Key projects include musical water fountains with light and sound shows at Bagh-e-Bahu, tourist facilities at Bhagwati Nagar and Sidhra Golf Course, an amusement park near Sidhra, and a ropeway from Mohmaya to Bagh-e-Bahu. Additional developments are planned for 2024-25.

Abdullah also highlighted efforts by Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) to modernize the city while preserving its heritage. Initiatives include the restoration of Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi, and Raghunath Bazaar, alongside beautification of temples and ghats. Infrastructure upgrades feature pedestrian pathways, electric buses, and a revamped Tawi riverfront with cycling tracks and leisure areas. Facade lighting is also planned for historic sites and Tawi bridges.

The Chief Minister underscored that these efforts aim to transform Jammu into a sustainable, tourist-friendly hub, blending modernity with its rich cultural legacy, while boosting the regional economy through enhanced pilgrim tourism.