Increase air connectivity to Leh, Srinagar to boost tourism to Kashmir from Gujarat: BJP

In an attempt to boost tourism in Ladakh, the first BJP Lok Sabha member from this region has asked for better air connectivity especially for tourists from Gujarat.

"There is a lot of scope and potential for promoting domestic tourism in Leh and Srinagar which needs to be tapped," Parliament Member Thupstan Chhewang told PTI in New Delhi after meeting Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati. 

During the meeting, which took place last evening, Chhewang, who was earlier elected as an Independent MP from Ladakh Lok Sabha seat, said there was a lot of flow of tourists from Gujarat. "I have requested the Civil Aviation Minister for starting a direct flight which connects Leh and Srinagar to Gujarat," he said.

Chhewang said more flights to Leh and Srinagar will help in boosting tourism and generating employment in the state. "There is a long demand for increasing tourism activities in Jammu and Kashmir. We want frequent and hassle-free movement of people to the state from other parts of the country," he said.

At present, about 26 flights on an average are flying to Srinagar and seven flights to Leh per day.