Jammu and Kashmir’s water transport authority has brought the first imported luxury boat for cruise on the Jhelum river with an aim to revive water transport in Kashmir.
The 30-seater bus boat is currently undergoing trial runs in Jhelum river between Lasjan in outskirts of Srinagar and Chattabal Weir, since July 10 this year.
Besides the bus boat, Sukhnag Enterprises, a marine equipment supplier firm, has also commissioned a 10-12 seater luxury pontoon boat and a 14-seater rescue boat in the Jhelum river. The bus boat and the rescue boat had been procured from New Zealand-based company named Mac while the luxury pontoon boat has been shipped from the United States.
The purpose of this new developmental step is to revive decades-old water transport culture in Jhelum river which is one of the identity as well as heritage of Kashmir.
The latest endeavor is part of Centre’s Swadesh Darshan scheme funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Programme (PMDP) aimed at integrated theme-based infrastructure development of tourist sites including river Jhelum in Kashmir.
After the Shikara ride of world-famous Dal Lake this imported unique bus boat will also play a major role to attract tourists from different parts of the world.
It is a fibreglass boat with all facilities. An added benefit is that a meeting like a conference of 10-12 people can be done inside the boat. This boat has a new look that will entice the tourists. It is a step towards enhancing water transport.
