Suhail Khan
Srinagar, May 15 : Days after signs of normalcy returned to the shelling-hit Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu pledged that the central government would implement all necessary measures to restore and boost tourism in Kashmir. This comes after a decline in visitor numbers following last month’s terror attack in Pahalgam.
During his visit to Srinagar to assess the situation, Naidu—as per Kashmir Despatch—inspected operations at Srinagar Airport, which resumed services on Wednesday after tensions between India and Pakistan eased.
The minister also visited Polo View Market in the city center, engaging with local residents and business owners affected by recent events.
“I made it a point to visit areas beyond the airport. At Polo View Market, I spoke with locals who shared their concerns about the drop in tourism after the Pahalgam attack. We must now work together to revive the sector,” Naidu told reporters, according to Kashmir Despatch.
He highlighted the significant growth in Kashmir’s tourism industry over the past five years, with Srinagar Airport experiencing a notable rise in passenger traffic.
“Passenger numbers increased from 2.5 million in 2019 to approximately 4.5 million in 2024, greatly benefiting the local economy. Our goal is not only to restore tourism to pre-attack levels but to expand it further,” he added.
Naidu assured that the Civil Aviation Ministry would provide full support to rejuvenate tourism in the region. “We will extend all necessary assistance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose vision has driven Kashmir’s progress and improved livelihoods,” he stated.
The minister also confirmed the reinstatement of air connectivity between Srinagar and other parts of India, which had been temporarily suspended following Operation Sindoor—a military response to recent terror activities.
“My visit aimed to review Srinagar Airport’s operations as we work toward restoring normalcy. Flights have now resumed, reconnecting the region with the rest of the country,” Naidu said.
Praising the dedication of airport staff and security personnel, he added, “I met with officers and staff, thanking them for their bravery during these challenging times. The nation stands proud of our armed forces for their decisive response to terrorism through Operation Sindoor.”
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
