J-K: Uri to get major tourism infrastructure boost with Rs 7.93 crore project

ThePrint - India · Published 7 November 2026 · Last updated 8 November 2026

Jammu & Kashmir approved a Rs 7.93 crore project to develop Uri’s tourism infrastructure, aiming to boost border tourism and local livelihoods.

Key points

Jammu & Kashmir Government gave administrative approval on 7 Nov 2026 for a tourism‑infrastructure scheme in Uri costing Rs 7.93 crore.
The project will cover Uri Town, Bosiyan‑Gingal, Mahura, Garkote and Bela Boniyar with huts, facilitation centres, riverfront parks, viewpoints, trekking paths and public conveniences.
The chief minister’s office announced the plan on its official X account, describing it as a step to promote border tourism in Baramulla district.
The scheme is expected to generate livelihood opportunities for local communities and boost economic activity in North Kashmir.
Implementation will be overseen by the state’s tourism department under existing tourism development guidelines.
No opposition or civil‑society criticism was reported in the available sources.
The project aligns with the government’s broader push to diversify the region’s economy beyond agriculture and security‑related spending.
Funding of Rs 7.93 crore will be drawn from the state’s tourism development budget for the fiscal year 2026‑27.

Uri, a border town in Baramulla district, has long been identified as a potential border‑tourism hub due to its proximity to the Line of Control and natural scenery.
The Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Policy 2020 emphasized development of peripheral and border areas to attract domestic tourists.
In 2022, the central government launched the Border Tourism Promotion Scheme, offering financial incentives to states for infrastructure in border regions.
Previous small‑scale projects in nearby areas (e.g., Gulmarg cable‑car upgrade 2023) demonstrated tourism’s capacity to create jobs in the valley.
Post‑2020, the state has pursued infrastructure upgrades (roads, hotels) to reduce dependence on central subsidies and improve security‑linked economies.

UPSC relevance, Prelims facts and Mains angle for this issue are in the full SWAदेSH note.

Original report: ThePrint - India