Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday inaugurated a helicopter service for heli-skiers and a Safri service for tourists eager to explore the high peaks of Gulmarg.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the helicopter service would significantly boost tourism in Gulmarg.
"Many skiers prefer heli-skiing, even when their favorite locations are accessible, but they often face challenges due to the lack of transport to the high-altitude starting points. This new service will address that issue and enhance their experience," he said.
The Chief Minister said from today not only the Heli-skiing has started but those visitors who are coming for sightseeing can avail of the helicopter service to visit higher peaks including Affarwat and SunShine peak at Gulmarg.
This time the helicopter service was available for the tourists throughout the year instead of during the winters only, he said.
“Gulmarg would be known now not only for the ride on the Gondola Cable Car but also for the Heli-skiing and helicopter safari service for the tourist throughout the year and it would further boost the tourism”, Omar said.
Regarding the Khelo India Winter games, those were postponed earlier due to less snow at Gulmarg. Omar said “We are not in a position to announce the dates for the winter games yet. There is a prediction of snowfall for three more days around February 26. And after that, the experts from the ski federation would examine the slopes and if they feel the snow is sufficient for conducting the winter games we would announce the dates”, he said.
“I wish if there would be sufficient snowfall during the period, the games could be held in the first week of March”, Omar said and added, “later the warm weather will start and it would be difficult to conduct the games this year”.
In reply to a question, Omar said that talks are going on with some private investors who are ready to invest to further improve the skiing infrastructure at Gulmarg.
“Talks are going on. If we could get a satisfying proposal which will improve the services at Gulmarg with the new infrastructure we will go ahead”, he said.
Omar said simultaneously some projects of Cable Car would also be constructed in Gulmarg.