Tourism anchors J&K growth as Budget 2026–27 earmarks ₹180 crore for Amarnath Yatra infrastructure

• Over 1.61 crore tourist visits in 2025 despite challenges: CM

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 6: Describing tourism as a central pillar of economic growth and livelihood generation in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced a comprehensive package of measures in the Budget 2026–27 aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Presenting the annual budget in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir recorded more than 1.61 crore tourist visits in 2025, reflecting strong resilience and continued confidence in the destination despite challenges such as the Pahalgam terror attack incident and subsequent floods.

“The government proposes to build a sustainable, inclusive and year-round tourism economy, balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation and community participation,” Abdullah said, outlining the administration’s long-term vision for the sector.

He stated that the government will focus on developing world-class tourist destinations, strengthening tourism circuits and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a global tourism brand, with financial and technical support from the Union Ministry of Tourism.

Highlighting the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems, the Chief Minister said environmental infrastructure has been prioritised, including sanctioning of a 3.2 MLD sewage treatment plant at Gulmarg and upgradation of the existing solid waste management plant. Similar interventions are planned at Sonamarg to ensure sustainable tourism development.

Abdullah said the government is also working on restoration and conservation of heritage sites and shrines through the Culture Department, underlining the close linkage between tourism, culture and identity.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims visiting the Shri Amarnath Ji shrine, the Chief Minister said more than 200 infrastructure works for the annual pilgrimage were completed during 2025–26. He announced an outlay of ₹180 crore for 2026–27 to further modernise and strengthen pilgrimage infrastructure, in partnership with the Border Roads Organisation.

Tourism diversification remains a key focus area, with winter sports, water sports and adventure tourism being actively promoted. The Chief Minister said water sports facilities are being developed at Wullar–Manasbal and Bani–Basohli, while sports tourism is also being encouraged through flagship events such as the Kashmir Marathon and Jammu Marathon.

Referring to the second Kashmir Marathon held in 2025, Abdullah said the event, along with a three-day expo, recorded over 3,000 registrations from 27 states and Union Territories and 11 countries, generating ₹2.11 crore through sponsorships and ₹0.20 crore in registration fees, demonstrating the economic potential of sports tourism.

To further promote cultural expression and creative industries, the Chief Minister announced that the government will organise an international film festival in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation during 2026–27. The event is expected to showcase cultural diversity and stimulate the local economy.

He also informed the House that the JK Tourism mobile app has been launched to provide verified real-time information, integrated booking services and AI-based assistance to tourists, enhancing ease of travel and visitor experience.

On accommodation, Abdullah said the homestay policy has helped address shortages, with over 1,600 registered homestays in the Kashmir division and more than 300 in the Jammu division. These units are being supported through concessional financial assistance from J&K Bank, enabling local households to directly benefit from tourism.

Emphasising employment generation, the Chief Minister said skill development and entrepreneurship remain at the core of the government’s strategy. A dedicated skill mission will be launched to equip youth with industry-ready technical skills, internships and on-the-job training opportunities, particularly in tourism and allied sectors.

For 2026–27, the tourism and youth affairs sector has been allocated ₹472 crore under capital expenditure, which is ₹61 crore higher than the revised allocation for 2025–26.

On culture, Abdullah said the government has prioritised preservation and promotion of heritage assets, with provisions to complete ongoing projects under Phase-I of the Heritage Revival, Restoration and Maintenance Scheme and fast-track subsequent phases. He proposed restoration of the Mughal-era Nishat Garden in Srinagar, modernisation of the SPS Museum, strengthening of the public library network and establishment of new cultural centres in Bandipora, Shopian, Anantnag, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Poonch and Budgam.

The culture department has been allocated ₹109 crore under capital expenditure for 2026–27.

The Chief Minister said these initiatives collectively aim to make tourism a powerful engine of inclusive growth, create large-scale employment opportunities and position Jammu and Kashmir as a leading global destination rooted in sustainability, culture and community participation.