A Lifeline Reborn: The Katra‑Srinagar Rail Link That’s Redefining Kashmir Travel

A Lifeline Reborn: The Katra‑Srinagar Rail Link That’s Redefining Kashmir Travel

Katra–Srinagar Rail Link Inaugurated: Kashmir’s Tourism and Economy Poised for Revival June 9, 2025, Reasi/Srinagar — Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge, as part of the 272 km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), officially opening the first-ever direct rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India . Simultaneously, the brand-new Vande Bharat Express service between Katra and Srinagar began commercial operations on June 7. Chenab Bridge: India’s Engineering Crown Jewel Constructed with more than 30,000 tonnes of steel, the 1,315 m long Chenab Bridge…

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Vande Bharat Express in Kashmir: A New Era of Speed, Unity & Prosperity

Vande Bharat Express in Kashmir: A New Era of Speed, Unity & Prosperity

The Arrival of a Dream – On Time, On Track, On Purpose In a moment etched in the annals of India’s transport and infrastructure history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the first-ever Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar, officially inaugurating the completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. More than just a train launch, this is a symbol of integration, hope, and opportunity for a region long hindered by geographic isolation, political volatility, and underdevelopment. “This train is not just a machine on tracks,”…

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Kashmir Tourism Set to Soar Again: WTTC CEO Backs Revival With Confidence

Kashmir Tourism Set to Soar Again: WTTC CEO Backs Revival With Confidence

Global Travel Leaders Eye Kashmir’s Comeback in 2025 and Beyond A Valley of Promise Amid Adversity Kashmir, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth”, is once again in the spotlight — not for its political troubles or the tragic attack in Pahalgam on April 22, but for a strong signal of revival and resilience. Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has voiced strong optimism for the return of tourism in Kashmir. Despite the headwinds caused by recent events, Simpson remains bullish about the…

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Fields of Change: How Horticulture is Thriving Amid Shrinking Farmlands in Jammu & Kashmir

Fields of Change: How Horticulture is Thriving Amid Shrinking Farmlands in Jammu & Kashmir

A Silent Shift in Kashmir’s Rural Landscape Srinagar 02 June 2025: While the lush paddy fields of Jammu and Kashmir are slowly vanishing under the weight of urban sprawl and economic shifts, a quiet revolution is taking root—horticulture is not just surviving; it’s expanding. In a region historically known for its rice bowls and saffron fields, a fundamental restructuring of rural priorities is underway. As traditional agriculture recedes, fruit cultivation is rising, not only as a lifeline for rural incomes but also as a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving…

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Omar Abdullah Leads Charge Against ‘Boycott Kashmir’ Campaign | Kashmir Tourism Revival 2025

Omar Abdullah Leads Charge Against 'Boycott Kashmir' Campaign | Kashmir Tourism Revival 2025

Omar Abdullah Leads the Charge Against ‘Boycott Kashmir’ Campaign: A Battle to Save Kashmir’s Tourism Soul In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, a social media-driven storm began to take shape — the #BoycottKashmir campaign. Frustrated, misinformed, and emotionally charged voices across platforms started advocating a travel boycott of the Kashmir Valley. But one prominent voice stood tall against this tide — that of Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah didn’t just condemn the campaign — he called it what…

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Kashmir Tourism Revival 2025: Tour Operators Unite for a New Beginning

Kashmir Tourism Revival 2025: Tour Operators Unite for a New Beginning

Tragedy and Resilience – The Pahalgam Attack and Its Aftermath On April 22, 2025, a brutal terror attack in the picturesque town of Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, sending shockwaves through the travel and tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. Known for its lush meadows, gushing rivers, and serene ambiance, Pahalgam had long been a favorite among Indian and international tourists alike. But in the blink of an eye, fear replaced fascination. Tourism—a vital lifeline for the Valley’s economy—came to a standstill. Hoteliers saw cancellations skyrocket. Shikara…

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Kashmir Chamber of Commerce Meets CM Omar Abdullah, Presents Economic Revival Plan

KCCI Meets CM Omar Abdullah to Discuss Kashmir’s Economic Revival

The attack has shaken our economy—we must rebuild with urgency and unity, says Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Srinagar 26 May 2025: In the aftermath of the devastating April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives and derailed Kashmir’s fragile economy, a high-level delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) met with Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat today to present a comprehensive economic revival strategy. The KCCI team, led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, submitted a detailed two-part economic memorandum to address…

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Kashmir’s Tourism Crisis: A Devastating Blow to the Region’s Economy

Kashmir's Tourism Crisis: A Devastating Blow to the Region's Economy

The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Catalyst for Economic Turmoil in Kashmir A Tragedy That Shook the Valley The brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 innocent lives, has triggered not only a humanitarian crisis but also an economic earthquake across Kashmir’s tourism-dependent economy. Once hailed as “Paradise on Earth,” the valley is now grappling with mass cancellations, job losses, and economic instability on an unprecedented scale. Collapse of the Tourism Sector Tourism, which contributes 7 to 8 percent of Jammu & Kashmir’s Gross State Domestic…

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Kashmir’s Tourism Crisis: Hotels, Cab Drivers & Pony Operators Struggle

Kashmir’s Tourism Crisis: Hotels, Cab Drivers & Pony Operators Struggle

Security & Recovery: How J&K Plans to Revive Tourism After Pahalgam Attack Srinagar 23 May 2025: The Pahalgam terror attack has had devastating consequences for the local economy, with thousands of people losing their livelihoods due to the sharp decline in tourism. The once-bustling resort town now wears a deserted look, as tourists have canceled trips, leaving hotel staff, pony operators, cab drivers, and shopkeepers struggling to make ends meet. Impact on Local Businesses The economic fallout of the attack has been severe, affecting multiple sectors that rely on tourist…

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‘Kashmir is Calling’: Dal Lake to Pahalgam Road Show Sends a Powerful Message of Peace & Welcome

“Kashmir is Calling”: Road Show Sparks Tourism Revival & Spreads Peace Message

‘Welcome to Paradise’: Kashmir’s Road Show Brings Hope for Tourism Resurgence   Srinagar 18 May 2025: Kashmir witnessed a historic road show as nearly 300 vehicles embarked on a journey from Dal Lake to Pahalgam, carrying banners that read “Welcome to Paradise”. This initiative, led by the tourism community, was a heartfelt response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 tourists dead and severely impacted the region’s tourism industry. A Rally of Resilience & Unity The attack had sent shockwaves through Kashmir’s tourism sector, leading to mass…

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