Jammu and Kashmir advances plans to notify new tourist areas including Bani, Lowang and Sarthal

Jammu and Kashmir is evaluating the notification of several tourism-worthy sites in Kathua (Bani town, Lowang and Sarthal), a move that explicitly targets upgrades to access roads, parking zones, rest houses and tourist huts—measures that will change last-mile logistics and increase demand for airport transfers and local taxi fleets.

Planned infrastructure and on-the-ground logistics

The administration has signalled a push to install rest houses and tourist huts at key locations to raise overnight capacity. These physical assets require complementary transport infrastructure: widened approach roads for SUVs and 4x4s, designated pick-up/drop-off bays for private cars and taxis, and clear wayfinding to reduce dwell time at fragile mountain sites. The winter carnival held in Bani on February 8 served as a pilot for managing seasonal passenger surges and temporary traffic management schemes.

Operational priorities for tourism roll-out

• Access and circulation: road resurfacing, culvert reinforcement and parking layouts for up to two dozen vehicles at scenic viewpoints.
• Visitor accommodation: small-scale huts and rest houses that support responsible, low-impact stays.
• Digital outreach: enhanced marketing and social media to drive demand to specific destinations and dates.
• Security and confidence: measures introduced after the Pahalgam incident to reassure travellers and operators.

How this affects transfers, taxis and private hire

Newly notified tourism zones typically raise requirements for scheduled transfers, flexible point-to-point taxis, and private hire services. Drivers and companies will need to adapt with correct licenses, vehicle types (from 4-seater sedans to 7-seater SUVs and minibuses), and knowledge of remote road conditions. For travelers, the expectation will be to know the exact pick-up point and fare estimates in advance, which favours transparent platforms where vehicle make, model and driver ratings are visible before booking.

Promotion, heritage work and confidence-building measures

Under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the government has intensified destination promotion through participation in ten national and international travel marts, and by launching celebrity familiarisation tours (June 28–30 and July 2–6, 2025) to generate positive publicity. Simultaneously, phased restoration of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex in Jammu city is underway and expected to proceed over the next three years, while several heritage sites have been declared protected monuments.

Budget snapshot

Events and marketing: practical implications for transfers

Winter carnivals and celebrity visits create concentrated demand windows. Transport operators must plan driver rosters, surge pricing strategies and staging areas. For tourists, this means booking transfers early to secure the preferred vehicle type—whether a private sedan for couples or a 7-seater for families—especially when events are timed to attract national media attention.

What local businesses and drivers should prepare

• Ensure vehicles hold the correct license and insurance for passenger transfers.
• Update vehicle listings with make/model, seating capacity and current tarief examples.
• Train drivers on route knowledge and basic hospitality for sensitive heritage sites.
• Coordinate with local authorities for staging zones and emergency plans during festivals.

Practical tips for travellers

To have a mind to avoid last-minute issues, travellers should book transfers in advance, confirm exact pick-up locations, and choose providers offering clear cancellation and waiting-time policies. Platforms that show vehicle photos, model and driver ratings can reduce uncertainty—particularly important at small mountain airstrips or when connecting from the airport to remote destinations.

Summary of strategic outcomes

The government’s examination of new tourism notifications aims to diversify destinations, create jobs and strengthen the local economy while preserving heritage. Digital marketing and high-profile familiarisation tours are intended to restore and grow traveller confidence after disruptions earlier in 2025.

The immediate forecast suggests modest impact on the global tourism and travel map—these changes are largely regional—but they are locally significant: improved infrastructure and marketing will make Jammu Division more accessible, which in turn increases demand for reliable transfers and private hire. This shift remains relevant to us, as GetTransfer aims to stay abreast of all developments and keep pace with the changing world. Highlights include clearer route management, upgraded rest-house capacity, and coordinated event transport—while remembering that even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide rande of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of your article. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

At a glance: the plan to notify new tourist areas in Jammu and Kashmir will require coordinated upgrades to roads, parking, and accommodation, and will increase demand for taxis, airport transfers and private hire services. Travellers should boek transfers in advance, check prices and seating (from private sedan to multi-seater), and verify driver credentials to avoid surprises. Platforms with transparent vehicle details, fare estimates and driver ratings simplify decisions on how much to pay and where to meet. GetTransfer.com supports this shift by providing a global, user-friendly solution for booking personalized transfers, trips, and deliveries—transparent, convenient and ideal for travellers who want to get the best service, car and driver for their destination, airport runs or city sightseeing. The ability to view exact vehicle make and model, compare fares and choose a seat layout helps travellers know how much to budget and reduces waiting time at the location, making transfers easier and more reliable.