Over 5 lakh tourists visit Kashmir in first three months of 2025

Surge driven by winter games, tulip bloom; tourism stakeholders hopeful of record-breaking year

Srinagar, Apr 16 (KNO): Kashmir is seeing a big boost in tourism this year, with 5,25,272 tourists visiting the valley in just the first three months and one week of 2025. This includes 5,14,845 domestic and 10,427 foreign tourists, giving a major push to the local economy and bringing smiles to people who depend on tourism for their livelihood.

According to official data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in January, there were 1,51,023 tourists(1,48,439 domestic and 3,585 foreign)In February, 1,47,560 tourists visited (1,43,444 domestic and 4,116 foreign) – March recorded The highest numbers with 1,76,355 tourists (1,74,349 domestic and 2,006 foreign) From April 1 to 7, 49,544 tourists arrived (48,614 domestic and 930 foreign)

Tourism officials said that 2025 is turning out to be one of the best years in recent times. A major reason for the rise in tourists was the successful hosting of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg in March. “The Winter Games attracted national attention and brought adventure lovers in large numbers,” said a tourism department official.

At the same time, the Tulip Garden in Srinagar is drawing thousands of visitors every day. “This place looks like heaven on earth. The flowers, the cool breeze, and the view of the Zabarwan Hills are simply mesmerising,” said Rajesh Sharma, a tourist from Delhi.

Another tourist, Neetu Raina, also from Delhi, said, “I had only heard about Kashmir’s beauty. But being here is a dream come true. People are warm and welcoming.”

Locals are also happy with the tourist rush. Ishfaq Ahmad, a houseboat owner, said, “After a long time, we are seeing such occupancy in our houseboats. It feels like the old days.”

Mushtaq Ahmad, a shikara owner at Dal Lake, said, “There is life on the lake again. Tourists are enjoying shikara rides and clicking pictures. It’s a good sign for all of us who depend on tourism.”

Basharat Ahmad, a cab driver from Kangan Ganderbal, said, “We have been busy since January. My bookings have doubled compared to last year. I am hopeful this trend will continue.”

The Director of Tourism said more cultural programmes and festivals will be organised this year to attract more tourists. “Our goal is to make Kashmir a top international tourist destination,” he said.

With such a strong start, 2025 looks to be a record-breaking year for Kashmir tourism—(KNO)

Traffic Advisory Issued for Jammu-Srinagar NHW and Key Routes in J&K for April 17, 2025

Jammu, April 16: The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a detailed advisory for vehicular movement on April 17, 2025, across National Highway 44 (Jammu-Srinagar NHW) and other vital routes in the Union Territory. The update includes travel regulations, road conditions, and safety recommendations in view of ongoing construction, landslides, and weather conditions.

According to the department, slow traffic movement was recorded on NH-44 between 5:00 PM on April 15 and 5:00 PM on April 16 due to the breakdown of five heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), movement of nomadic flocks, and single-lane stretches at Dalwas, Peeda, Mehad, and Marog–Kishtwari Pather, all of which were further impacted by ongoing four-laning construction.

Traffic was managed in a regulated manner at key bottlenecks like Mehad, Cafeteria, and Ramban, where road width is limited to just 150–200 meters in some sections. Authorities have stressed the importance of lane discipline, warning that overtaking and wrong-lane driving could lead to severe congestion and delays.

Travel Recommendations:

• Passenger Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) are advised to travel during the daytime due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.
• Perishable goods and livestock carriers must follow the advisory strictly due to poor road conditions and single-lane traffic on several stretches.
• HMV operators have been instructed to avoid overloading and to ensure vehicle fitness and sufficient fuel before traveling.
• Only 06 and 10 tyre HMVs will be permitted to use the Dhar road route.

Commuters are also urged to avoid unnecessary halts in landslide-prone areas, particularly between Ramban and Banihal.

Traffic Plan for April 17:

If weather permits and roads remain stable:

• LMVs (private cars and passenger vehicles) will be allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar directions on NH-44.
• HMVs (load carriers) will be allowed to move from Jakheni (Udhampur) to Srinagar, subject to road conditions. Coordination will be handled between Traffic Control Units (TCUs) of Jammu, Srinagar, and Ramban.

The public has been encouraged to stay updated via official J&K Traffic Police social media pages, including Twitter and Facebook.

Security Forces Movement:

Security forces have been advised not to travel against the prescribed traffic plan, especially on narrow carriageways between Nashree and Banihal. They may proceed from Jammu towards Srinagar after confirming road conditions with TCU Ramban.

Other Route Updates:

• Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag Road (NH-244):
  Open for one-way LMV traffic from Kishtwar to Anantnag, allowed between 10:45 AM and 2:45 PM.
• SSG Road (Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari):
  Open for one-way LMV traffic with anti-skid chains, followed by six-tyre HMVs from Srinagar to Kargil, until 1:30 PM.
• Mughal Road (Poonch–Shopian):
  Operational for one-way LMV traffic from Poonch to Shopian between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
• Bhaderwah–Chamba Road:
  Remains closed due to snow accumulation.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103
• Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• Udhampur: 8491928625
• Kishtwar PCR: 9906154100
• Kargil PCR: 9541902330, 9541902331
• Ganderbal PCR: 9906668731

3 SPs among 36 J&K cops selected for Haj-2025 duty in Saudi

Officers directed to report in Delhi on April 21 for formalities

Srinagar, Apr 16 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has ordered the temporary deputation of 36 police personnel to the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to serve as Haj Officers and Haj Superintendents for Haj-2025.

According to a government order, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the deputation follows recommendations from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and approvals from the J&K Police Headquarters and CID, J&K.

The officers and police personnel include Superintendents of Police (SPs) Peerzada Aijaz Ahmed, Ruhail Mircha, and Mohd Muzaffer Jan; Inspectors Gowhar Ahmad Bhat, Mubashar Hussain Shah, Shahid Amin, Peerzada Bashir Ahmad, Afaq Ahmad Nayak, Farooq Ahmad, Haroon Rashid Bhat, Parviaz Ahmad, Arshid Hussain, Farooq Ahmad Wani, and Ibrar Ahmad.

Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) Zahoor Ahmad Wani, Bilal Ahmad Ganaie, Tahir Maqbool Malla, Mohd Abbas, and Maksood Ahmad Selection Grade Constables (Sgct) Mohammad Rafie Bhat, Mohd Aslam Bhat, Shabir Ahmad Mir, Raja Faheem Nabi, Imtiyaz Ahmad, John Mohammad, Mehraj Ul Shafi, Peerzada Mahboubul Haq, Wasim Sikander, Mohd Amin Bhat, Ruyaz Ahmad, and Javid Ahmad, Constables Aaqib Inayat Ullah, Adil Ahmad Sofi, Rafeeq Ahmad Malik, Suhail Ahmad Wani, and Reyaz Ahmad Hurra.

These personnel have been directed to report to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, CGO Complex, New Delhi, on April 21, 2025, for completion of requisite formalities.

An advance Travelling Allowance (TE) has also been sanctioned for their journey to and from New Delhi, as per government rules—(KNO)

Four ARTOs Transferred in J&K: Govt Issues Fresh Posting Order

Jammu, April 16, 2025: In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the transfer and posting of four Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) and In-Charge ARTOs with immediate effect. The decision, issued by the Transport Department under Government Order No. 33-JK(TR) of 2025 dated April 16, aims to streamline operations and improve administrative efficiency across various districts.

According to the order, Muazzam Ali (JKAS), previously posted as ARTO Baramulla, has been transferred to ARTO, Flying Squad, Srinagar. Abrar Ahmed Kralpak (Jr. Scale JKAS), who was serving as ARTO Anantnag, has now been posted as ARTO Doda. He will also relieve the ARTO Kishtwar of the additional charge of the post.

Mubashir Jan Bhat, who was serving as In-Charge ARTO, Flying Squad, Srinagar, has been shifted to ARTO Anantnag. Meanwhile, Mohd. Mukhtiar Sofi, who was awaiting adjustment orders, has been posted as ARTO Baramulla.

The transfer order was issued by Niraj Kumar (IAS), Secretary to the Government, Transport Department, and signed by Under Secretary Nighat Parveen.

Officials said the reshuffle is part of the routine administrative exercise aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency of the department and ensuring smoother service delivery to the public.

The order has been circulated to all concerned departments and updated on the official government website.