The tourists are grappling with transportation challenges in Kashmir at various tourist destinations.
According to a letter issued by deputy director tourism Kashmir, the tourists face transport issues at various tourist destinations in Kashmir.
“Tourists who book a cab at Airport/TRC/ Hotels for tourists destinations are being asked to disembark after reaching these destinations, and the tourists intending to go to various places from these destinations for sightseeing are directed to hire local transport,” said tourism official.
For instance, he said tourists reaching Pahalgam intending to visit Betab Valley/Aru Valley are not allowed to carry their cabs to these places, and instead are coerced into hiring local transport for these places exorbitant rates thereby causing inconvenience and harassment to tourists.
The same situation occurs for the tourists intending to visit zero point from Sonamarg, Botapathri from Gulmarg and Drung from Tangmarg.
The official claimed that such practices by the Local Transport Unions are bringing disrepute to the Tourism Industry and created negative perception about Kashmir tourism.
The tourism deputy director has requested immediate action in the matter be initiated, and the vehicle of tourists from Srinagar to any place like Aru valley, Zero point, Doodhpathri be allowed and strict action against such unlawful taxi Union Operators be taken who force tourists to disembark and take their vehicles at exorbitant rates.
