Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 19: Arun Gupta, president of Chamber of Commerce & Industry expressed gratitude to the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari for approving the much needed unprecedented and prestigious project of Lakhanpur-Doda National Highway and construction of Chattergala Tunnel linking the Lakhanpur with Doda.
Gupta also expressed gratitude to Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS in Prime Ministers Office with whose relentless efforts this prestigious project has become possible.
He said that with the completion of the highway, it will provide all weather connectivity between Lakhanpur to Doda district and will also reduce to travel time and will give impetus to business activities, revenue generation, enhance the employment opportunities besides giving thrust to the tourism activities of the area.
Gupta emphasized that the Tourist spots in Billawar, Basohli, Bani, Bhaderwah and Sarthal which are popular due to climatic conditions and are also known for the famous pilgrim spots like Maa Sukrala Mandir, Sheetla Mata Mandir and Shakti Mata Mandir. These areas are most beautiful as compared to other hill stations and are known for breath taking beauty and cultural heritage.
Chamber chief stressed the need that Tourism Department should come forward and highlight the popularity of the famous pilgrim places and tourist spots en-route the highway to attract the maximum number of pilgrims and tourists to visit these areas. The Government should come forward and direct the concerned departments to involve the interested parties and guide them in developing the infrastructural facilities like hotels etc to provide better facilities to tourists/pilgrims visiting the said area.