SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Government cannot replicate the Gulmarg model of tourism infrastructure at every destination in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that development plans must take into account the unique character, attractions and visitor potential of each location.
Replying to questions by MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat during the ongoing Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said the Government was adopting a destination-specific approach rather than creating identical infrastructure across tourist destinations.
“We can’t make every tourist destination Gulmarg, and build gondolas at every destination. Every tourist destination has its unique and separate attraction,” the Chief Minister said.
He pointed out that the Gulmarg Gondola records significantly higher ridership than the facility at Patnitop, adding that such factors need to be assessed before proposing similar infrastructure elsewhere. “Every tourist destination can’t have a Gondola. Every destination cannot be Gulmarg. We have to see something unique, as these destinations are unique in their nature,” he said.
On the proposed Gondola/Cable Car project at Doodhpathri, Omar said the proposal was currently under consideration of the Government. The project would be taken up subject to approval by the competent authority, completion of requisite formalities and availability of funds.
The Chief Minister said winter adventure tourism at Doodhpathri had received a boost since the Tourism Department introduced snow skiing in 2023, with activities continuing during subsequent winter seasons. A drag lift was also constructed and made operational in 2026 to provide additional facilities for skiers and support regular training and other winter adventure activities.
The Government is also pursuing planned infrastructure development around Doodhpathri to improve visitor management and reduce pressure on the destination. The Tourism Department has identified State land at five locations along the Arigam–Reyar Ich stretch for wayside facilities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval has been accorded for the facilities at an estimated cost of ₹50 lakh, with the works currently at the tendering stage.
Around 25 kanals of State land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri has also been identified for a proposed Tourist Transit Hub along with a 400-car parking facility at Doodhpathri. A Detailed Project Report estimated at ₹75 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for consideration and approval.
The proposed transit hub and parking facility is intended to regulate vehicular movement and improve visitor management, thereby reducing vehicular pressure at the destination.
On tourism development in Khansahib, the Chief Minister said the Tourism Department had initiated the process of identifying and assessing areas with tourism potential. In consultation with local stakeholders and Revenue and Forest Department officials, site visits were conducted at Pushker, Shoplian, Nowgam, Drung, Habber, Banglapathri and Palmasidan to assess their potential and the feasibility of tourism-related infrastructure.
Suitable sites would be considered for inclusion in future tourism development plans subject to tourism potential, feasibility, availability of suitable land and fulfilment of statutory and administrative requirements. The process for identification, demarcation and transfer of State land at Banglapathri and along the Zoogu–Sitaharan stretch has already been initiated with the Revenue authorities and is under process.
