J&K plans overhaul tourist amenities along key highways

Srinagar, Feb 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to revamp its infrastructure to make highways more tourist-friendly, with a major overhaul of wayside amenities planned along key routes throughout the Union Territory (UT).
A government official told Rising Kashmir that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been tasked with submitting a detailed plan for the location of wayside amenities along major tourist routes in the region within the next month.
The official further revealed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will ensure that all non-functional facilities along these highways are made operational by June 2026. Additionally, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is set to develop a wayside amenity complex between the newly opened Sonmarg tunnel and the under-construction Zojila tunnel.
In the meantime, public toilet facilities at key locations including Qazigund, Marhama, and Jajjar Kotli are expected to be operational by April 2025. “We will also install new signboards along highways to clearly mark the locations of these facilities,” the official added.
The Tourism Department is collaborating with the Highway Authorities and the Public Works Department to upgrade amenities along major tourist routes. Discussions are also underway with the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the operation and maintenance of toilet facilities at popular tourist destinations. A location-wise assessment has already been shared with Sulabh for a pre-feasibility survey.
In addition, Chief Engineers from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department have been assigned to develop concept plans for constructing new toilet complexes and parking areas at critical locations. The R&B and Tourism Departments are also conducting a gap analysis to identify areas along major highways that may require additional facilities.
Key tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Patnitop, Sanasar, Bhaderwah, and Doodhpathri, will receive priority attention in these upgrades. “These locations experience high tourist footfall year-round, making it essential to enhance their facilities,” the official emphasised.
Maintained roadside amenities play a crucial role in promoting tourism, and the government views this as a step toward positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a premier travel destination. “A tourist-friendly environment with high-quality facilities will enhance J&K’s appeal and bolster
its reputation as a top travel destination,” the official said.