During the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) event ‘Rally for the Valley – Let’s Go to Jammu and Kashmir’, a tourism revival initiative that took place on Wednesday, Abdullah emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and rebuild confidence in the area.
“Tourists embark on a journey or experience. They return home and share their tales. I believe there are lessons we’ve all gained in recent months,” he remarked, acknowledging the obstacles faced by the tourism sector recently.
Visited the tallest railway bridge in the world, The Chenab Bridge, to review arrangements for the visit of the Hon PM @narendramodi ji tomorrow. Tomorrow is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected to the rest of the country by a railway link to be… pic.twitter.com/bthZVHQ33j
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 5, 2025
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Abdullah indicated that initiatives are being introduced to modernize significant tourist attractions. “I have instructed the cable car corporation to enhance the Gondola in Gulmarg for increased capacity, improved ticketing, and an overall better experience. This applies to other areas in J&K as well,” he stated.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the TAAI delegation for their support in visiting Kashmir amid recent upheavals. “I want to extend my thanks to Sunil Kumar, President of the TAAI delegation, and all of you who traveled from outside J&K for your trust and confidence in us,” he remarked.
“It is often said: you truly recognize your friends in tough times. Everyone wants to be your friend when times are good,” added Abdullah, who also oversees tourism.
This event occurs just under two months after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local resident. The incident severely affected the tourism industry in the Valley.
Reflecting on this tragedy, Abdullah noted that the TAAI delegation’s visit signified persistent commitment to the region. “I wish to express profound gratitude, not just from my perspective or the government’s, but on behalf of everyone involved in tourism in Kashmir, thank you for being here and providing us with this encouragement,” he said.
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He further stressed the necessity of learning from experiences like these. “It’s difficult to discuss future prospects without first looking back to comprehend how we arrived at this point. The tragic event on April 22 in Baisaran should never be forgotten, and it must remain in our collective memory,” he said. “It represented a tragedy for the families of 26 individuals—25 of our guests and one local. A sorrowful moment for their children and families.”
The Chief Minister commended the spontaneous response from citizens in the region. “For the first time in my memory, individuals from Jammu and particularly from Kashmir united to renounce the attack, to voice their concerns and show solidarity.
“The reaction that followed April 22 was not orchestrated by any political party or organization; it was genuine and heartfelt,” he asserted.
He remarked: “The people of Kashmir sought to convey to the rest of the country and the world that the attack was not conducted in their name. It did not represent their values, and they refused to remain silent or allow anyone to think they were complicit.”
Looking forward, Abdullah mentioned that while the region is currently in a figurative winter, brighter days are ahead. “There’s no doubt we are experiencing a severe winter, but winter is merely a season and cannot last indefinitely. The snow will eventually melt,” he stated.
He also praised the recent advancements in connectivity to Kashmir, especially through rail links. “Today, Kashmir has a railway. You were able to traverse the highest railway bridge in the world, showcasing the diligence of the engineers and companies behind it. You crossed the only cable-stayed railway bridge in the nation, accomplishing this in a region with considerable challenges. We anticipate many more visitors will come,” he expressed.
Abdullah noted that there might be a limited opportunity for the region to claim the title of the highest railway bridge. “We should encourage as many people as possible to cross this bridge, as we currently hold the title for the highest railway bridge in the world,” he concluded.
