Srinagar, May 16, 2025: Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu pledged on Thursday, May 15, 2025, that the Central government would spare no effort to restore tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been severely impacted by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Speaking in Srinagar after reviewing operations at the Srinagar International Airport, Naidu acknowledged the significant decline in tourist footfall and emphasized the government’s commitment to reversing this trend.
The Pahalgam attack has led to a 90% cancellation rate in tourist bookings and a sharp drop in registrations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025. Naidu, during a visit to the Polo View market in Srinagar, interacted with locals who expressed concerns about the economic toll on tourism-dependent businesses. “Tourism has ebbed after the incident, and we have to work to revive it,” Naidu told reporters, noting that Kashmir had seen a tourism boom over the past five years, reflected in increased arrivals at Srinagar airport. He assured that the Civil Aviation Ministry would provide comprehensive support to facilitate this revival, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the region’s development.
Naidu’s visit coincided with heightened security preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, with 150,000 personnel, advanced surveillance, and RFID card systems planned to ensure pilgrim safety along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. He praised the armed forces for their role in Operation Sindoor, a targeted response to the attack that neutralized over 100 terrorists in Pakistan and PoJK, calling their efforts a source of national pride. The minister’s assurances complement local efforts led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who recently met tourism stakeholders to develop a revival plan, including loan deferments, cultural performances, and new attractions.
The government’s focus includes infrastructure upgrades at the airport and promotional campaigns to project Kashmir as a safe destination, aiming to rebuild trust and revive the region’s vital tourism sector.
