Water transport trial held on Jhelum to boost tourism

The trial of the water transport services was conducted today on the Jhelum river from the ghat near the GPO, Srinagar, to Fateh Kadal bridge.
An official said for the trial run, two motor boats of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), and one motor-driven “shikara” were pressed into service.
The service has been jointly launched by the JKTDC and the Department of Tourism, Kashmir, to promote water transport and heritage tourism.
District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone launched the service. He was accompanied by JKTDC Managing Director Sarmad Hafeez; Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mahmood A Shah; and Additional Commissioner, Srinagar, Abdul Rashid War.
“The service will not only revive traditional water transport but also promote heritage structures on the banks of the river Jhelum,” said Lone.
Heritage structures, such as Hanuman temple, old Assembly complex, old secretariat, Budshah tomb, shrine of Mir Syed Ali Hamadani at Khankhai Moula, besides seven heritage bridges can be seen during the ride.
The Director Tourism said the service would boost tourism as the along the river there were many heritage sites. “This will revive age-old water transport service. We are expecting locals and tourists to utilise it,” said Shah.