Uri's Tourism Dilemma: Growing Interest, Lagging Infrastructure

Uri, July 4: The border town of Uri in Kashmir has witnessed a significant boost in tourism following the Army's decision to lift restrictions on visitor access to the Kaman Post, also known as Aman Sethu Bridge.

This move has resulted in a substantial influx of tourists to the area, signalling a positive shift in promoting this once-restricted region as a tourist destination.

The Kaman Post, situated on the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, has long been a symbol of the complex geopolitical situation in the region. However, its recent opening to visitors has transformed it into a point of attraction for those interested in border tourism.

Local tourism officials report a marked increase in visitor numbers since the easing of restrictions. "We've seen a tremendous rise in tourists wanting to visit the Kaman Post. It's not just the bridge itself, but the entire experience of being at the border that fascinates people," said a tourism department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In a further effort to promote border tourism, the army organised the first-ever cultural festival, Jashn-E-Rustam, near the LoC in the Uri sector last year. The event was a resounding success, attracting a crowd of approximately 15,000 people. This impressive turnout underscores the area's potential as a vibrant tourist destination.

Despite the success of these initiatives, locals believe more efforts are needed to fully explore the region's tourism potential.

Rustum, renowned for the shrine of Rustum Pir Baba, Besides, vast meadows covered by forests, makes the area attractive for visitors. However, access to this site remains difficult compared to the relatively easier access to Kaman Post.

Zahid Ahmad, a resident while expressing gratitude for the army's efforts said that their is need for improved access to Rustum.

"After the Jashn-e-Rustum event, more people want to visit, but it's not possible. Authorities should set up a reception centre to facilitate visitor permissions," Ahmad said.

In addition to access issues, residents highlighted the lack of proper infrastructure as a barrier to tourism growth in the border area of Uri.

Muhammad Ashraf, a local businessman, pointed out the absence of adequate accommodation facilities. He suggested reopening the well-equipped accommodation at TRC Salamabad, which has been non-functional since the cessation of bus services and trade between the two sides.

"Reopening this facility would boost tourism and elevate the local economy," Ashraf said.

Ashraf also called for improved services at the Twin Bridge Adoosa reception centre, where only a single staff member is currently deployed to handle visitor permissions, causing delays and frustration among tourists.

Earlier, the permission was provided from the Uri brigade, however, it has been now shifted to Twin Bridge Adoosa.

Beyond Rustum and Kaman Post, locals are advocating for immediate measures to enhance the overall tourism potential of the area. Civil society members highlighted that villages such as Boniyar, Mohra, Salamabad, and Limber had been designated as new tourist destinations but are disappointed over the the lack of progress in this regard.

Dr Sajad Shafi, while pinning hope on the army for the development of Uri said that efforts need to be made to develop the other parts of the Uri area which has tremendous border tourism potential.

“Apart from Kaman post the Rustum spot besides the beautiful waterfall in the different areas of Uri if promoted as tourist spots, can change the fortunes of the area. The efforts in this direction can play a vital role in reducing the unemployment graph of the area,” said Dr Sajad Shafi.