Ladakh set for major tourism boost: L-G

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi and expressed optimism about the region’s prospects, saying tourism in Ladakh would expand significantly in the days to come.

“In the coming time, Ladakh will become a year-round tourist destination, benefiting all sections of society. It is steadily progressing towards becoming an international tourism hub,” he said. Responding to a question on promoting tourism in Ladakh, Gupta added that efforts were underway to develop the region as a round-the-year attraction, with special emphasis on winter tourism.

“Ladakh’s working season spans about half of the year. We are focusing on promoting winter games and winter tourism. From this year, All-India-level winter games will be organised in Ladakh,” he said.

Drawing parallels with Kashmir’s premier winter destination, he noted, “Just as winter games and tourist arrivals take place in Gulmarg, similar facilities are being developed in Ladakh. Two gondola projects have been proposed and steps are being taken in that direction.”

The L-G also shared updates on infrastructure projects, stating that work on the Zojila tunnel was progressing well. “We are hopeful that both ends of the tunnel will meet by April next year, and it will be fully completed within a year. Once opened for traffic, it will provide an additional route for the Amarnath Yatra,” he said.

On employment, Gupta said Ladakh had nearly 18,000 government employees serving a population of around three lakh. “About 3,000 new posts have been created and examinations have already been conducted,” he said, adding that economic activities were also generating opportunities.

“Around 13,000 MSME groups involving nearly 50,000 people are operating in Ladakh. We are also strengthening the homestay sector so that tourists, especially bikers from outside, can stay in local homes,” he added.