Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): In a sign of resilience and recovery, Kashmir’s tourism sector is bouncing back swiftly after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam—powered in part by the continued operation of the Vande Bharat Express.
The high-speed rail service, connecting northern cities to Jammu and Udhampur, has remained a vital link for tourists heading to Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and even Pahalgam itself.
“While the Pahalgam incident initially dampened sentiment, confidence has returned quicker than expected,” said a senior tourism official in Srinagar. “The Vande Bharat has ensured a steady stream of visitors, especially from Delhi, Punjab, and Maharashtra.”
In just the first half of June, hotel occupancy in destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam surged, with weekend bookings approaching 80%. Tour operators report a sharp uptick in group travel and honeymoon packages, many of which were briefly paused in the wake of the attack.
“The ease and comfort of Vande Bharat have reassured tourists,” said Sajid Ahmad, a Srinagar-based travel agent. “The revival is happening faster than we projected.”
Tourism authorities credit the rebound to coordinated efforts between the Railways, local administration, and security agencies. Heightened security at transit points and popular tourist spots has helped calm nerves.
“Terror won’t derail tourism,” said a local hotelier in Pahalgam. “The Valley remains open, peaceful, and welcoming.”
With the annual Amarnath Yatra approaching and summer vacations peaking, officials expect June’s tourist arrivals to surpass pre-attack projections, signaling a robust season ahead (DD)
