Hoteliers, cab drivers make a quick buck

While people of the state have pinned hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit here tomorrow, local hoteliers and owners of mini-buses and taxis are making a fast buck.
They have a reason to smile as all the available rooms and huts of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) at Patnitop and Batote have been booked.
All hotels at Batote and district headquarter Ramban were booked a couple of days ago by the officers and media persons visiting the venue of the PM’s rally.
“I feel satisfied as all 20 rooms and five huts of the JKTDC at Patnitop have been booked by the Ramban district administration. It is a respite for us as during this lean period, our occupancy is reduced to only 15% despite 40% discount,” said Manager, JKTDC, Patnitop.
Bilal Ahmed, manager, Hotel Maple of JKTDC at Batote, said all 16 rooms have been booked by the Ramban district administration and the JK Power Development Corporation for three days.
“It is a respite for us in this lean season as this would accrue an income of at least Rs 45,000. Besides, we would also earn through the meals ordered by the guests in our restaurant,” said Bilal.
“I am happy as all 17 rooms of my hotel have been booked for three days mostly by media men, especially the Doordarshan people,” said Munish Gupta, owner of Subhas Regency, Batote.
The PM’s visit has also given a chance of earning to transporters as almost all taxis and mini-buses at Batote, Ramban and Patnitop have been hired by the ruling BJP- PDP leaders for ferrying their workers and people to the venue of the rally.
“Given the ongoing lean tourism season in the state, our taxis have been lying idle for the past some weeks. I feel satisfied as all my four taxis have been hired by a local BJP leader for November 7,” said Devraj of Tringla, a taxi owner.