In a major step aimed at strengthening tourist safety and confidence, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have introduced a first-of-its-kind QR code system for stakeholders across the tourism sector. The initiative covers hotels, shopkeepers, pony handlers, taxi drivers, and tourist guides operating throughout the Valley.&nbsp;Officials say the move leverages modern technology to ensure that every tourist visiting the region is accounted for and can travel securely. The core objective of the system is to maintain transparency and oversight, not only of visitors but also of local service providers interacting with them.&nbsp;The initiative has already been implemented in key tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, where pony operators locally known as “pony wallas” have been issued QR codes. Before hiring a horse ride, tourists can now simply scan the code to verify that the operator has been officially registered and cleared by authorities. This ensures that only verified individuals are allowed to offer services to visitors exploring different parts of the town.&nbsp;“It’s a commendable step by the authorities. Across Pahalgam, every tourist stakeholder, whether a pony operator, shopkeeper, taxi driver, or guide, has now been properly verified. This gives customers a strong sense of security. With just a simple scan, they can access all the necessary information and confirm that the person has been authenticated by the authorities. It’s a very positive initiative '', said Mohammad Rouf, President PonyWallah, Pahalgam.&nbsp;With hundreds of tourists arriving daily in Kashmir and many heading towards Pahalgam, the QR-based system is designed to simplify and secure their experience. Visitors can now scan codes before booking taxis, hiring pony rides, or even purchasing traditional handicrafts from local shopkeepers. Each QR code contains verified details such as the individual’s name, parentage, Aadhaar number, residential address, and contact information.&nbsp;Tourists have welcomed the initiative, calling it a reassuring step that enhances their sense of safety while travelling in the Valley. “It’s a great initiative, and it makes us feel both happy and secure. With just one scan, we can instantly check whether a person has been verified by the authorities. It really makes things much easier and safer for tourists visiting the area,” said Mohit Khanna, a tourist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officials describe the program as a “confidence-building measure” that complements existing security arrangements. With the annual Amarnath Yatra set to begin in July, the administration is aiming to establish a robust and foolproof system to safeguard both tourists and pilgrims.&nbsp;Authorities believe that the integration of QR-based verification will not only improve accountability but also reinforce Kashmir’s image as a safe and well-managed travel destination.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-50-billion-trade-by-2030-pm-modi-hails-partnership-with-south-korea-after-talks-with-president-lee-jae-myung-1776673665356">‘$50 billion trade by 2030’: PM Modi hails partnership with South Korea after talks with President Lee Jae Myung</a>

The initiative is already active in key tourist spots like Pahalgam, where pony operators, known as “pony wallas,” have been given QR codes. Tourists can scan these before hiring rides to verify registration, ensuring only authorised operators provide services to visitors.

In a major step aimed at strengthening tourist safety and confidence, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have introduced a first-of-its-kind QR code system for stakeholders across the tourism sector. The initiative covers hotels, shopkeepers, pony handlers, taxi drivers, and tourist guides operating throughout the Valley. Officials say the move leverages modern technology to ensure that every tourist visiting the region is accounted for and can travel securely. The core objective of the system is to maintain transparency and oversight, not only of visitors but also of local service providers interacting with them. The initiative has already been implemented in key tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, where pony operators locally known as “pony wallas” have been issued QR codes. Before hiring a horse ride, tourists can now simply scan the code to verify that the operator has been officially registered and cleared by authorities. This ensures that only verified individuals are allowed to offer services to visitors exploring different parts of the town. “It’s a commendable step by the authorities. Across Pahalgam, every tourist stakeholder, whether a pony operator, shopkeeper, taxi driver, or guide, has now been properly verified. This gives customers a strong sense of security. With just a simple scan, they can access all the necessary information and confirm that the person has been authenticated by the authorities. It’s a very positive initiative '', said Mohammad Rouf, President PonyWallah, Pahalgam. With hundreds of tourists arriving daily in Kashmir and many heading towards Pahalgam, the QR-based system is designed to simplify and secure their experience. Visitors can now scan codes before booking taxis, hiring pony rides, or even purchasing traditional handicrafts from local shopkeepers. Each QR code contains verified details such as the individual’s name, parentage, Aadhaar number, residential address, and contact information. Tourists have welcomed the initiative, calling it a reassuring step that enhances their sense of safety while travelling in the Valley. “It’s a great initiative, and it makes us feel both happy and secure. With just one scan, we can instantly check whether a person has been verified by the authorities. It really makes things much easier and safer for tourists visiting the area,” said Mohit Khanna, a tourist. Officials describe the program as a “confidence-building measure” that complements existing security arrangements. With the annual Amarnath Yatra set to begin in July, the administration is aiming to establish a robust and foolproof system to safeguard both tourists and pilgrims. Authorities believe that the integration of QR-based verification will not only improve accountability but also reinforce Kashmir’s image as a safe and well-managed travel destination. Also read: ‘$50 billion trade by 2030’: PM Modi hails partnership with South Korea after talks with President Lee Jae Myung

The initiative is already active in key tourist spots like Pahalgam, where pony operators, known as “pony wallas,” have been given QR codes. Tourists can scan these before hiring rides to verify registration, ensuring only authorised operators provide services to visitors.

QR code system rolled out in Kashmir valley to boost tourist safety and trust

Months after the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the opening of 12 new tourist destinations across both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Previously, 16 out of 48 identified tourist spots had been made accessible to visitors.&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shared on social media that "After a thorough security review and discussion in today's UHQ Meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures.''&nbsp;He further added, ''Seven tourist spots in Kashmir Division, including Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, Kaman Post, and five in Jammu Division, including Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi, to be reopened from Monday, 29th September.'&nbsp;Today heralds a significant milestone in the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir with the launch of the second phase of reopening tourist destinations. Following the closure of 48 tourist spots due to security concerns, 16 were previously made accessible to visitors. Now, an additional 12 destinations will warmly welcome tourists starting September 29, 2025, showcasing the region's breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness as part of a strategic effort to boost tourism and economic growth.&nbsp;Tourism stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed immense relief and optimism following the government's decision to reopen additional tourist destinations. With the vibrant autumn season approaching, they believe this move will significantly boost tourism, drawing visitors to the region's stunning landscapes. They have also urged the authorities to expedite the reopening of all remaining tourism sites before the onset of the winter tourism season to maximize economic opportunities and showcase the region's year-round appeal.

Today heralds a significant milestone in the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir with the launch of the second phase of reopening tourist destinations. Following the closure of 48 tourist spots due to security concerns, 16 were previously made accessible to visitors.

Months after the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the opening of 12 new tourist destinations across both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Previously, 16 out of 48 identified tourist spots had been made accessible to visitors. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shared on social media that "After a thorough security review and discussion in today's UHQ Meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures.'' He further added, ''Seven tourist spots in Kashmir Division, including Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, Kaman Post, and five in Jammu Division, including Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi, to be reopened from Monday, 29th September.' Today heralds a significant milestone in the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir with the launch of the second phase of reopening tourist destinations. Following the closure of 48 tourist spots due to security concerns, 16 were previously made accessible to visitors. Now, an additional 12 destinations will warmly welcome tourists starting September 29, 2025, showcasing the region's breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness as part of a strategic effort to boost tourism and economic growth. Tourism stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed immense relief and optimism following the government's decision to reopen additional tourist destinations. With the vibrant autumn season approaching, they believe this move will significantly boost tourism, drawing visitors to the region's stunning landscapes. They have also urged the authorities to expedite the reopening of all remaining tourism sites before the onset of the winter tourism season to maximize economic opportunities and showcase the region's year-round appeal.

Today heralds a significant milestone in the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir with the launch of the second phase of reopening tourist destinations. Following the closure of 48 tourist spots due to security concerns, 16 were previously made accessible to visitors.

LG announces reopening of 12 tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir

After months of lull for the tourism industry after the Pahalgam attack, Kashmir Valley is slowly coming back on track. Tourist Ski Resort Gulmarg in North Kashmir is picking up on tourism, and tourists have started to return in big numbers, expressing confidence in the region's improved security.Kashmir Tourism, which had hit its rock bottom after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, is finally on the road to revival. Hundreds of tourists have started coming back to Kashmir Valley and Gulmarg is yet again bustling with tourists from across the country.The administration and security agencies also make sure to provide the utmost secure environment to the incoming tourists in the valley. While posting additional security at every tourist spot, the agencies have also installed CCTV cameras across various spots to keep an eye on these spots 24/7.''I have been here for three days. We did the Amarnath Yatra as well. The arrangements and security are excellent, and we were in Srinagar and now have come to Gulmarg and we did a Gondola ride and saw snow. It's beautiful here and we enjoyed it a lot and there is nothing to worry about. We are all safe. Pahalgam has happened, but I am sure there will never be such an incident anymore because the security is great and locals are helpful too, '' said Murlidhar, a tourist.The Tourist stakeholders in the Kashmir Valley are very optimistic that the industry is on its way to recovery and within a few months, the valley will again see a tourism boom."We have come from Gujarat; We stayed in Srinagar and later went to Pahalgam for three days. We went to Betaab valley, and now we have come to Gulmarg and there is no problem at all. The locals here are very supportive, and we are having the best time. We recommend that everyone come here. It's like visiting Switzerland here. It's very peaceful here and we pray everything remains peaceful now, '' said Nayab, a tourist.The tourism stakeholders of the Kashmir region are hoping that the Autumn and Winter season in Kashmir Valley will see a tourism boom again and break all the tourist footfall records of the previous years.

Kashmir Tourism, which had hit its rock bottom after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, is finally on the road to revival. Hundreds of tourists have started coming back to Kashmir Valley and Gulmarg is yet again bustling with tourists from across the country.

After months of lull for the tourism industry after the Pahalgam attack, Kashmir Valley is slowly coming back on track. Tourist Ski Resort Gulmarg in North Kashmir is picking up on tourism, and tourists have started to return in big numbers, expressing confidence in the region's improved security. Kashmir Tourism, which had hit its rock bottom after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, is finally on the road to revival. Hundreds of tourists have started coming back to Kashmir Valley and Gulmarg is yet again bustling with tourists from across the country. The administration and security agencies also make sure to provide the utmost secure environment to the incoming tourists in the valley. While posting additional security at every tourist spot, the agencies have also installed CCTV cameras across various spots to keep an eye on these spots 24/7. ''I have been here for three days. We did the Amarnath Yatra as well. The arrangements and security are excellent, and we were in Srinagar and now have come to Gulmarg and we did a Gondola ride and saw snow. It's beautiful here and we enjoyed it a lot and there is nothing to worry about. We are all safe. Pahalgam has happened, but I am sure there will never be such an incident anymore because the security is great and locals are helpful too, '' said Murlidhar, a tourist. The Tourist stakeholders in the Kashmir Valley are very optimistic that the industry is on its way to recovery and within a few months, the valley will again see a tourism boom. "We have come from Gujarat; We stayed in Srinagar and later went to Pahalgam for three days. We went to Betaab valley, and now we have come to Gulmarg and there is no problem at all. The locals here are very supportive, and we are having the best time. We recommend that everyone come here. It's like visiting Switzerland here. It's very peaceful here and we pray everything remains peaceful now, '' said Nayab, a tourist. The tourism stakeholders of the Kashmir region are hoping that the Autumn and Winter season in Kashmir Valley will see a tourism boom again and break all the tourist footfall records of the previous years.

Kashmir Tourism, which had hit its rock bottom after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, is finally on the road to revival. Hundreds of tourists have started coming back to Kashmir Valley and Gulmarg is yet again bustling with tourists from across the country.

Kashmir tourism on path to recovery, Gulmarg Ski Resort abuzz with tourists

After the Pahalgam attack, every Pilgrim coming for Amarnath Yatra is advised to take the journey from Jammu towards Kashmir along with the fully secured convoy of security forces. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha Government on Thursday (June 26) issued an advisory for the Amarnath Yatri that they should take the Journey from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar to Kashmir Valley's both base camps along with the security convoy.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government for the first time issued an advisory asking all the Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims to take the journey from Jammu to Kashmir along with the security forces. The advisory is mostly for the Yatri's who take the journey privately. &nbsp;''I request all the Pilgrims including those coming in private vehicles that when the Pilgrims leave along the convoy from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu, all should be leaving together. It will make it very easy for the Pilgrims as well as the security forces. It will save them a lot of time as well, '' said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;The LG also said that there has been a decline in the number of registrations after the Pahalgam attack. If the numbers are compared to last year's registration, Over ten percent decline has been seen in the registration process after the Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;''Before the Pahalgam attack, the registration was in full swing. But there has been a slight decline in the registrations after that. If we compare it to last year's registration, it came down by around 10.19 percent, but the registrations have increased again. We have already asked the people registered earlier for confirmation. Before April 22 around 2.36 lakh people had registered for the yatra, but we are getting a lot of queries so I am hopeful that a good number of people will turn up, '' said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;The government has also announced that at Both Pahalgam and Baltal routes, there will be “No Flying Zones” from July 1 to August 10, 2025, except for authorized security or emergency aircraft. Anti-drone technology deployed to counter unauthorized aerial threats. Army and CRPF dominate high-altitude areas to prevent terrorist infiltration. Sanitization operations will be conducted daily on Yatra routes to neutralize potential threats. ''About the helicopter service, there have been many mishaps at various places and security is also a major reason and after many deliberations we have come to this decision. I think around 8 percent of people choose helicopter services for the yatra and it won't have much impact on the Yatra, '' said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amarnath Yatra has been upgraded with all the Hi-Tech gadgetry and AI-based facial recognition systems this year. For the first time ever, the data of active terrorist and OGWs and other blacklisted peoples has been fed in the system. The moment anyone from the system walks in front of these FRS Cameras, it will start beeping.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Every pilgrim will be given RFID tags for real-time pilgrim tracking which is mandatory for their movement. High-resolution CCTV cameras and drones are placed for continuous surveillance with control rooms at base camps. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and bomb disposal squads are stationed at every strategic point. The Amarnath Yatra is starting from July 3.&nbsp;

Amarnath Yatra pilgrims advised to travel from Jammu to Kashmir along with security convoys

After the Pahalgam attack, every Pilgrim coming for Amarnath Yatra is advised to take the journey from Jammu towards Kashmir along with the fully secured convoy of security forces. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha Government on Thursday (June 26) issued an advisory for the Amarnath Yatri that they should take the Journey from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar to Kashmir Valley's both base camps along with the security convoy. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government for the first time issued an advisory asking all the Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims to take the journey from Jammu to Kashmir along with the security forces. The advisory is mostly for the Yatri's who take the journey privately. ''I request all the Pilgrims including those coming in private vehicles that when the Pilgrims leave along the convoy from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu, all should be leaving together. It will make it very easy for the Pilgrims as well as the security forces. It will save them a lot of time as well, '' said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir. The LG also said that there has been a decline in the number of registrations after the Pahalgam attack. If the numbers are compared to last year's registration, Over ten percent decline has been seen in the registration process after the Pahalgam attack. ''Before the Pahalgam attack, the registration was in full swing. But there has been a slight decline in the registrations after that. If we compare it to last year's registration, it came down by around 10.19 percent, but the registrations have increased again. We have already asked the people registered earlier for confirmation. Before April 22 around 2.36 lakh people had registered for the yatra, but we are getting a lot of queries so I am hopeful that a good number of people will turn up, '' said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir. The government has also announced that at Both Pahalgam and Baltal routes, there will be “No Flying Zones” from July 1 to August 10, 2025, except for authorized security or emergency aircraft. Anti-drone technology deployed to counter unauthorized aerial threats. Army and CRPF dominate high-altitude areas to prevent terrorist infiltration. Sanitization operations will be conducted daily on Yatra routes to neutralize potential threats. ''About the helicopter service, there have been many mishaps at various places and security is also a major reason and after many deliberations we have come to this decision. I think around 8 percent of people choose helicopter services for the yatra and it won't have much impact on the Yatra, '' said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir. Amarnath Yatra has been upgraded with all the Hi-Tech gadgetry and AI-based facial recognition systems this year. For the first time ever, the data of active terrorist and OGWs and other blacklisted peoples has been fed in the system. The moment anyone from the system walks in front of these FRS Cameras, it will start beeping. Meanwhile, Every pilgrim will be given RFID tags for real-time pilgrim tracking which is mandatory for their movement. High-resolution CCTV cameras and drones are placed for continuous surveillance with control rooms at base camps. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and bomb disposal squads are stationed at every strategic point. The Amarnath Yatra is starting from July 3.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government for the first time issued an advisory asking all the Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims to take the journey from Jammu to Kashmir along with the security forces

After the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir tourism has been massively hit. Tourism is experiencing its worst period at the peak of the season, but with the Inauguration of the Vande Bharat train to the Kashmir Valley, tourism in Kashmir is slowly coming back on track.&nbsp;In the last week, around 5000 tourists have taken the train ride from Katra to Srinagar. Most of these tourists had come to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, and with the new train, they also wanted to experience the train ride to Srinagar. Tourist stakeholders from Kashmir and across India are hoping that the Vande Bharat train will be a game changer for Kashmir Tourism.&nbsp;Kashmir Tourism has seen over 95 per cent cancellations after the Pahalgam attack, and most of the hotels, houseboats and guest houses are running empty. But with the Vande Bharat, these tourist stakeholders are hoping for a revival.&nbsp;''It's an excellent move by our PM, by our government. This is the right time to have Vande Bharat connect Kashmir with the rest of the country, and it can be a game-changer because today, transport is an important aspect of tourism. Even if a person wants to travel and the cost is very high, they will prefer travelling to places where the cost is lower. One of the biggest challenges Indian tourism is suffering from is people finding going abroad cheaper. Vande Bharat as a transport provider will certainly support tourism in Kashmir, '' said Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI.&nbsp;Train travel is also affordable, and people who couldn't afford the steep air tickets to the Kashmir Valley will be able to take the journey easily. The people of the Kashmir Valley, including the tour operators, believe that it's a big gift from PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;''Such big achievements can be a big game changer in any sector. Like the train is here for the first time, which we have been waiting for so many decades. It's a dream come true, and it will be a game changer for the tourism sector and local people as well. Connectivity is much better than earlier, and it saves a lot of time. People will want to visit Kashmir via train. A lot of people could not afford it earlier, and now it will be easier for them, '' said Manzoor Pakhtoon, Houseboat Association.&nbsp;The all-weather train travel from Katra to Srinagar will cover a distance of 190-km Katra-Srinagar distance in less than three hours. Even during the peak season of snow and winter, the train will run all year.&nbsp;

Following massive cancellations after the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir tourism faces a severe slump. But with the launch of the Vande Bharat train to Srinagar, stakeholders are hopeful for a revival, as thousands of tourists embrace the new affordable rail route.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir tourism has been massively hit. Tourism is experiencing its worst period at the peak of the season, but with the Inauguration of the Vande Bharat train to the Kashmir Valley, tourism in Kashmir is slowly coming back on track. In the last week, around 5000 tourists have taken the train ride from Katra to Srinagar. Most of these tourists had come to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, and with the new train, they also wanted to experience the train ride to Srinagar. Tourist stakeholders from Kashmir and across India are hoping that the Vande Bharat train will be a game changer for Kashmir Tourism. Kashmir Tourism has seen over 95 per cent cancellations after the Pahalgam attack, and most of the hotels, houseboats and guest houses are running empty. But with the Vande Bharat, these tourist stakeholders are hoping for a revival. ''It's an excellent move by our PM, by our government. This is the right time to have Vande Bharat connect Kashmir with the rest of the country, and it can be a game-changer because today, transport is an important aspect of tourism. Even if a person wants to travel and the cost is very high, they will prefer travelling to places where the cost is lower. One of the biggest challenges Indian tourism is suffering from is people finding going abroad cheaper. Vande Bharat as a transport provider will certainly support tourism in Kashmir, '' said Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI. Train travel is also affordable, and people who couldn't afford the steep air tickets to the Kashmir Valley will be able to take the journey easily. The people of the Kashmir Valley, including the tour operators, believe that it's a big gift from PM Narendra Modi. ''Such big achievements can be a big game changer in any sector. Like the train is here for the first time, which we have been waiting for so many decades. It's a dream come true, and it will be a game changer for the tourism sector and local people as well. Connectivity is much better than earlier, and it saves a lot of time. People will want to visit Kashmir via train. A lot of people could not afford it earlier, and now it will be easier for them, '' said Manzoor Pakhtoon, Houseboat Association. The all-weather train travel from Katra to Srinagar will cover a distance of 190-km Katra-Srinagar distance in less than three hours. Even during the peak season of snow and winter, the train will run all year.

Following massive cancellations after the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir tourism faces a severe slump. But with the launch of the Vande Bharat train to Srinagar, stakeholders are hopeful for a revival, as thousands of tourists embrace the new affordable rail route.

Vande Bharat brings hope to Kashmir tourism after Pahalgam attack fallout

Professor G Madhavi Latha, a civil engineering expert from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was one of the bridge important contributors.

Professor G Madhavi Latha, a civil engineering expert from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was one of the bridge's important contributors.

17 years, no fixed blueprint: Meet Madhavi Latha, the IISc professor behind world’s tallest Chenab bridge