Jammu and Kashmir sees a tourism surge, with the government focusing on sustainable growth and infrastructure development to accommodate the rising number of visitors.

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant increase recently, though the Ministry of Tourism has not conducted a detailed study to measure its economic impact. In response to a question posed in the Lok Sabha on February 3, 2025, by Balwant Baswant Wankhade, the Ministry highlighted the ongoing efforts to manage and support the growing number of tourists visiting both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu division.

Swadesh Darshan, a key initiative, was revamped into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), aiming to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. This updated version takes a destination-focused approach, ensuring that the growth of tourism is aligned with infrastructure improvements to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

Basholi, a town in Jammu and Kashmir, has been identified as a prominent destination under this scheme. Multiple projects funded by Swadesh Darshan are already in progress to enhance tourism infrastructure. One such project, the Himalayan Circuit, launched in 2016-17, focuses on developing facilities along the Jammu-Srinagar-Pahalgam-Bhagwati Nagar-Anantnag-Salamabad-Uri-Kargil-Leh route, with an allocated budget of Rs 77.33 crore. Additionally, improvements are underway in the Jammu-Rajouri-Shopian-Pulwama area (Rs 81.60 crore) and the reconstruction of assets damaged in the 2014 floods (Rs 90.43 crore).

Further investments include upgrades to areas like Mantalai, Sudhmahadev, Anantnag-Pulwama-Kishtwar-Pahalgam-Zanskar Padum-Daksum-Ranjit Sagar Dam, with sanctioned funds of Rs 91.99 crore and Rs 86.39 crore, respectively. The development of tourism facilities at Gulmarg-Baramulla-Kupwara-Kargil-Leh is also underway, with an allocated Rs 91.84 crore.

The government is committed to sustainable tourism development, with plans for eco-friendly projects and infrastructure improvements to handle the increasing visitor numbers while preserving the environment. Although specific timelines for project completion were not provided, these developments are expected to significantly boost the region’s tourism sector in the years to come.

While an economic study has not yet been conducted, the emphasis on infrastructure development indicates that the rise in tourism will likely have a positive impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The combination of improved facilities, eco-friendly measures, and strategic planning is intended to foster sustainable, long-term growth for the region.

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