BJP leader and MLA East Constituency, Yudhvir Sethi today participated in a crucial meeting with members of the All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association (AJHLA) to address their concerns regarding the anticipated economic impact of the upcoming train connectivity to Kashmir.
In the meeting, Inderjeet Khajuria, Chairman AJHLA, Pawan Gupta President AJHLA, Pritam Sharma, Krishan Lal Gupta, H.S Manhas, Varun Gupta, Varender Gupta, Swarn Singh, Vinod Gupta, Ankit Gupta and Sourabh Gupta were present. The meeting served as a platform for open dialogue, with hoteliers voicing apprehensions about the potential decline in Jammu’s tourist footfall as Kashmir becomes more accessible by rail.
During the discussions, the members of Hotel Association emphasized the pressing need to develop Jammu as a standalone tourism destination, fearing that the direct train access to Kashmir might divert tourists, thereby affecting the local hospitality industry and economy.
Addressing the gathering, Yudhvir Sethi expressed solidarity with the hoteliers and assured them of the BJP’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Jammu region. He stated, “The BJP is acutely aware of the challenges posed by the upcoming train connectivity and is already working on measures to safeguard Jammu’s economy. We are in constant touch with the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and have urged them to expedite the completion of ongoing tourism projects in Jammu.”
Sethi highlighted the rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and scenic beauty of Jammu, emphasizing its potential to emerge as an independent tourism destination. “Our focus is to enhance Jammu’s tourism appeal by completing projects like the Tawi Riverfront, Beating Retreat Ceremony at Suchetgarh Border, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, the Artificial Lake, etc. These projects will significantly boost tourist interest and strengthen the region’s economy,” he added.
The BJP leader further called upon stakeholders to work collaboratively in creating innovative tourism packages and promoting Jammu as a spiritual, adventure, and cultural tourism hub. “With concerted efforts and strategic planning, we can ensure that Jammu becomes a destination of choice for tourists, independent of their visit to Kashmir,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a consensus to jointly advocate for policies and projects that enhance the economic prospects of the region.
