Comm Secy Tourism reviews wayside amenities along major highways in J&K

 JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11: Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, chaired a high level meeting at Civil Secretariat, Jammu, to review the status of wayside amenities and toilet facilities along major highways and roads across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was aimed to address the growing needs of both local commuters and the increasing number of tourists visiting the Union Territory.

Secretary, R&B, senior officers from NHAI, BRO, NHIDCL, R&B and the Tourism Department attended the meeting.

The meeting had detailed discussions on enhancing infrastructure to improve travel experiences and ensure seamless access to essential facilities along major routes.

The Commissioner Secretary asked the officers to expedite work progress on infrastructure improvements. She directed the  Beacon authorities to submit a location plan for wayside amenities within one month besides asking the NHAI to ensure that all non-starter amenities become functional by June 2026.

She tasked the NHIDCL with developing a wayside amenity complex between Sonmarg Tunnel and Zojila Tunnel, with a priority project for a toilet complex in Sonmarg. She also asked for making the public conveniences at Qazigund, Marhama and Jhajjar Kotli operational by April 2025. She directed to install new signboards marking toilet facilities and indicating distances along highways to enhance visibility and accessibility.

The Commissioner Secretary laid special emphasis on improving amenities in key tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Patnitop, Sanasar, Bhaderwah and Doodpathri, where high quality wayside facilities are essential to accommodate increasing tourist footfall. To facilitate this, the Chief Engineers of R&B have been assigned the responsibility of preparing concept plans for toilet complexes and parking spaces at strategic locations.

Additionally, the R&B and Tourism Departments were asked to conduct a gap analysis to identify location specific requirements for new wayside amenities along major highways. This will ensure a well-rounded infrastructure development plan that meets the evolving needs of both residents and visitors.

Emphasizing the importance of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir's economy, Yasha Mudgal reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards enhancing travel experiences through modern and well-maintained facilities. She asked the CEOs of Tourism Development Agencies to propose amenities only on encumbrance-free land, where all necessary approvals from the Forest Department can be availed well in time.