Kashmir tourist boom: Vande Bharat, trip fuel rise in other words stays

New Delhi: The picturesque Kashmir Valley is seeing a boost in traveler arrivals this summertime, with improved roadway and rail connection drawing in novice visitors, weekend tourists and roadway trippers.

Hoteliers, trip operators and authorities stated the freshly released Vande Bharat Express has actually assisted enhance tourist in the valley, understood for its mountains, lakes and tulip gardens.

With more individual lorries getting in the area, Srinagar is seeing traffic jam in numerous locations. Rush hour is often reported along the city’s renowned Boulevard Road, which neglects Dal Lake. Travelers, trip operators, hoteliers, houseboat owners and authorities – all mentioned the intensifying traffic.

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The boost in traveler arrivals is likewise causing a decrease in space rates.

Travel Pattern

“The rise in weekend tourism, along with a growing preference among visitors to drive their own cars, has led to traffic build-up along the Boulevard,” stated Syed Qamar Sajjad, director of tourist for Kashmir and handling director of the J&K Cable Car Corporation.

He, nevertheless, stated that the administration is geared up to guarantee smooth traffic motion.

Sajjad likewise indicated a travel pattern acquiring traction – numerous visitors getting to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra are now extending their journeys to Kashmir, as Srinagar is just about a four-hour drive away.

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Main traveler arrival information for the season is yet to be assembled, he stated. Lots of houseboat owners and hoteliers in Srinagar stated that lodgings are almost completely scheduled. Some have actually had to reduce their space rates to bring in tourists looking for spending plan alternatives and homestays.

“Last year, until the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, we were charging Rs 5,000 a night for a room. This time, although all my rooms are booked, I am charging around Rs 2,500-3,000 as tourists are spending much less,” stated Imran Nazir, a dentist-turned-hotelier who runs the 20-bed Cedrus Resorts near Srinagar airport.

Aijaz Ahmad Khan, owner of Paristan Resorts in Pahalgam, stated, “Until the incident last year, we were charging Rs 8,000-9,000 per night in Pahalgam. This season, however, rates have come down to about Rs 5,500, as demand for high-end properties has softened.” He stated hotel tenancy in Srinagar is around 90 %, while in Pahalgam it is a little lower. “A large number of my guests have arrived in their own vehicles this season,” stated Khan.

Highlighting the boost in roadway trippers, Nazir stated automobiles with registration plates from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and even Gujarat are a typical sight.

“We have parking space for four to five cars, but the congestion along the Dal Lake cannot be attributed to self-driven tourists alone,” stated Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, a fourth-generation houseboat owner and chairman of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association. “We also have to factor in occasional exhibitions and VVIP movement in the area.”

There are over 800 houseboats spread out throughout 4 places – Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, the Jhelum River and Chinar Bagh.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Survey 2025-26, the tourist sector contributes about 7% to the Union Territory’s gross state domestic item and offers direct income assistance to almost 500,000 individuals.

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