Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment worth Rs 5,500 crore targets Gulmarg and new destinations, focusing on infrastructure, climate resilience, and jobs.
Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Investment Gets Rs 5,500 Crore Boost With Gulmarg Infrastructure Push
TheInterviewTimes.com | December 13, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir has announced a Rs 5,500 crore Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment under an externally funded project, marking the first time the Union Territory’s tourism sector will receive exclusive funding of this scale. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made the announcement on Saturday in Gulmarg, outlining a long-term strategy focused on infrastructure development, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism growth across multiple destinations.
The announcement was made during the curtain raiser event for the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at the Gulmarg Convention Centre. The main convention will be held in Srinagar from December 17 to 20, bringing together adventure tourism operators, policymakers, and sustainability experts from across India.
“This is the first externally funded project dedicated solely to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said, describing the Rs 5,500 crore Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment as a transformative step for the region’s economy and global tourism positioning.
#Highlights Chief Minister inaugurated Asia’s longest ski drag lift at Kongdori, Gulmarghttps://t.co/R8s6xXsdXw pic.twitter.com/bR1aE4rlhu
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) December 13, 2025
World Bank Support and New Tourism Destinations
According to officials, the Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment will be deployed to develop nine new tourism destinations, in addition to strengthening infrastructure at established locations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. The World Bank has agreed to fund the preparation of detailed project reports for these destinations, indicating strong multilateral backing for the initiative.
The funding will be used to improve road connectivity, upgrade accommodation facilities, expand adventure tourism infrastructure, and enhance civic amenities. Authorities said the objective is to position Jammu and Kashmir as a four-season global tourism destination, reducing dependence on short winter tourism cycles.
Tourism officials noted that all projects under the Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment framework will undergo environmental impact assessments to ensure ecological balance is maintained.
Chief Minister today unveiled the Curtain Raiser of the 17th ATOAI Convention at the Gulmarg Convention Centre, setting the stage for a major national event being held in Srinagar on 17 December, 2025. He said these events would position J&K as a premier global tourism… pic.twitter.com/GXJbrTre6h
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) December 13, 2025
Major Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated in Gulmarg
As part of the infrastructure push, Abdullah inaugurated Asia’s longest ski drag lift at Kongdori, spanning 726 metres and built at a cost of Rs 3.65 crore. The new lift is expected to significantly improve capacity for winter sports enthusiasts and professional skiers visiting Gulmarg.
He also inaugurated the world’s highest revolving multi-purpose hall at Affarwat, designed to host conferences, cultural events, and international tourism gatherings throughout the year. Officials confirmed that projects worth over Rs 17 crore were inaugurated during the event, all aligned with the broader Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment plan.
These projects aim to enhance Gulmarg’s competitiveness with leading international mountain tourism destinations.
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Climate Change Concerns and Adaptive Measures
While highlighting infrastructure achievements, the Chief Minister raised serious concerns about climate change and declining snowfall patterns in Gulmarg. He noted that the region, which traditionally received heavy snowfall by mid-December, is now experiencing delayed and reduced snow cover.
“If we do not adapt to climate realities, skiing in Gulmarg could become a memory rather than a living tradition,” Abdullah warned.
To address this challenge, the Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment strategy includes plans for artificial snow-making systems, modeled on European ski resorts. The government is also considering floodlighting systems, similar to those used in Japan, to extend skiing hours and enhance visitor experience despite changing weather conditions.
Chief Minister today dedicated a series of landmark tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 17 Crore to the public at Gulmarg, marking a significant step towards strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a premier global winter tourism destination. pic.twitter.com/veYxgNawxQ
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) December 13, 2025
Sustainable Tourism and Net-Zero Goals
The ATOAI convention itself is being organised as a net-zero carbon event, reflecting the administration’s commitment to sustainability. Panel discussions during the convention will focus on responsible adventure tourism, low-impact infrastructure, and climate-resilient tourism models suitable for Himalayan regions.
Officials confirmed that sustainability benchmarks will be mandatory for all projects funded under the Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment initiative. The goal is to prevent over-tourism while protecting fragile ecosystems.
Economic Impact and Employment Generation
Experts estimate that the Rs 5,500 crore Jammu and Kashmir tourism investment could generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for local youth. Employment opportunities are expected to expand across hospitality, adventure sports operations, transport services, and community-based tourism enterprises.
Economists believe the investment could play a critical role in strengthening the region’s post-pandemic economic recovery while promoting inclusive growth through local participation.
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Key Takeaways
Jammu and Kashmir has launched a Rs 5,500 crore tourism investment under an externally funded project. Major infrastructure upgrades in Gulmarg aim to boost year-round tourism. Climate resilience and sustainability are central to the development strategy. The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment and strengthen global tourism appeal.
