The revered Tirupati Balaji temple, managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, has been inaugurated in Majheen Sidhra, on the outskirts of Jammu City. The temple spread over 62 acres of land, is set to become one of the largest temples in the Jammu region and is likely to attract a considerable number of devotees and tourists. The presence of the Tirupati Balaji temple will contribute to the religious tourism circuit in Jammu and Kashmir.
As trains now directly reach Katra and the construction of the new Delhi-Amritsar-Katra express corridor is underway, Jammu is facing the risk of losing its prominence as a tourist destination. Considering that Jammu’s economy heavily relies on pilgrim tourism, it becomes crucial to develop additional attractions that can captivate visitors. It is important to recognise that Jammu needs to offer something unique and enticing to attract tourists, given the evolving travel options in the region. This Tirupati Balaji Temple’s strategic location provides it with an advantage, as it can serve as a major highlight for visitors. By leveraging this advantage, Jammu can enhance its appeal as a tourist destination and continue to contribute to the local economy. The administration should further take it to the next level by extending the present ropeway up to this temple. This will be a ropeway journey to remember for a lifetime, with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi mountains in the background. Two restaurants at Bag-e-Bahu and Golf Club are already established, and if promoted properly, this can be the next big thing in Jammu.
To maintain its significance and sustain the tourist flow, Jammu should focus on developing additional attractions, experiences, and amenities that complement the temple and create a well-rounded tourism offering.