Drag Lift Built at Rs 3.75 Crore Cost
Arif Rashid
Srinagar, May 20: In a major push to winter tourism into the Budgam district, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation has completed construction of the first-ever drag lift at the tourist destination of Doodhpathri. The facility is expected to become operational during the upcoming winter season.
The project has been developed to promote winter sports and adventure tourism in the scenic destination, offering tourists and local visitors better access to snow-based recreational activities.
Local visitor Gulzar Ahmad welcomed the initiative, saying the newly constructed drag lift would significantly enhance winter tourism activities in Doodhpathri.
“With the government establishing drag lift facilities, tourists will now prefer visiting Doodhpathri during winters and enjoy various adventure tourism activities,” he said.
Ahmad further said that locals have appreciated the government’s efforts, describing the project as the first of its kind in the area. He added that the facility is expected to open new avenues for tourism-related economic activity in the area.
Chief Executive Officer of the Doodhpathri Development Authority, Riyaz Ahmad Beigh, said that the drag lift has been constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at an estimated cost of Rs 3.75 crore.
“The drag lift facility has been fully completed in accordance with all technical requirements. We are preparing to make it functional for tourists and local visitors during the upcoming winter season,” Beigh said.
He added that the authorities are also planning to introduce various skiing courses at Doodhpathri to further strengthen winter tourism in the area.
“The initiative will not only attract more tourists but also create livelihood opportunities for unemployed youth during the harsh winter months,” he said.