Hoteliers demand extension of Vande Bharat Express to Kangra
Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, January 8
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kangra has expressed concern over the steadily declining tourism in the region. The members of the association met the BJP MP from Kangra, Rajiv Bharadwaj, and apprised him of the dwindling tourism industry in Kangra region over the last 7–8 years. Ashwani Bamba, president of the association, said in a memorandum submitted to the MP, the hotel association has cited lack of railway connectivity as one of the main reasons why Kangra remained inaccessible to a large section of tourists. There is limited accessibility to glacial peaks in the region, despite Kangra being home to majestic glacial peaks in Dhauladhar mountain range. “There is insufficient infrastructure to allow tourists to experience these natural wonders of the area. The infrastructure in Kangra valley as parking, roads, and tourist amenities require significant upgrades” Bamba said.
The hotel association told the MP that due to poor promotion of Kangra’s rich heritage, culture, and natural beauty, it had not been adequately marketed on a national or global scale.
Giving suggestions to the MP for the revival of tourism in Kangra valley, the hotel association demanded extension of Vande Bharat Express to Kangra. Extending the existing Vande Bharat train service from Amb to Kangra will significantly improve connectivity and attract tourists from across the country.
The association also demanded upgrading the Kangra-Pathankot-Joginder Nagar narrow gauge railway line to broad gauge which would integrate the district into the broad railway network, ensuring connectivity from all sides. The hotel association demanded that the Union Government should develop a ropeway from Bhagsunag - Truind to Inderhara glacier or Lungta -Thathrana -Inderhara glacier.
Ropeways would provide a seamless and scenic access to the snow-clad majestic Dhauladhar ranges to tourist of all ages and adventure enthusiasts, the members said.
The association also demanded creation of essential infrastructure such as parking spaces, public convenience, resting area and beautification of the areas around Bhagsunag Temple and Durgeshwar Temple in Naddi. The Association said the Dharamsala Smart City plan had failed to achieve its objectives. City cries for even basic facilities of parking, sewerage, smart mobility services, community centres, theatres and recreation facilities.The Dharamsala Tourism Circle should be developed under the Swadesh Darshan 2 Scheme of the Government of India for its holistic sustainable development, the hotel association demanded.
The association urged Rajiv Bharadwaj to help construct a retaining wall at Bhagsunag to address parking challenges and improve traffic management by providing Rs 10 lakh from his MPLAD funds.
