New Delhi, August 13: The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture & Tourism Shripad Yesso Naik has said that as per J&K Government, tourism sector is the backbone of the economy of J&K State. The development and upgradation of roads leading to existing and new destinations can give boost to the tourism industry in J&K State.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today Shri Naik said, Ministry of Tourism extends Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for improving last mile connectivity to tourist destinations. As per the State Government of J&K, the State Government has taken up a massive programme of development and upgradation of road infrastructure in J&K State particularly the National Highways.
He said, the following roads have been declared as National Highways by the Government, which would definitely give boost to the tourism potential of the State of J&K:-
1. Highway starting from its junction with NH No.44 near Domail connecting Katra, Reasi and terminating at Pouni in the State of J&K. ( New No.144).
2. Highway starting from its junction with NH-44 near Srinagar connecting Badgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and terminating at its junction with new NH No. 44 near Qazikund in the State of J&K. (New No. 444)
3. Highway starting from its junction with NH-44 near Jammu connecting Akhnoor, Nowshera, Rajouri and terminating at Poonch in the State of J&K. (New No.144A).
4. Highway connecting Atari (India/Pakistan Border), Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur in the State of Punjab, Naduan, Hamirpur, Toni Devi, Awa Devi, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Gramphoo, Kyelong in the State of Himachal Pradesh and terminating at Leh in the State of J&K. (New No.3).
5. The development and upgradation of existing Batote–Kishtwar National Highway IB would give boost to tourism spots along the road viz Sinthen, Daksun, Anantnag etc. and Kargil Zanskar road.
The Minister said, as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation, air fares are fixed by the airlines based on interplay of market forces and are not determined by the Government. Airlines are free to fix tariff under the provision of Sub-rule (1) of Rule 135, Aircraft Rules 1937 having regard to relevant factors, including cost of operation, characteristic of services, reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff. Airline remains compliant with the regulatory provisions of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules 1937 as long as the fare charged by them are within the fare bucket and does not exceed the fare established and displayed on their website.
