Mir for making Corporation more vibrant, commercial

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporation (JKSCCC) has earned a Revenue of Rs 35.83 crore till January 2014   from Gandola ride against Rs 31.97 crore earnings during the corresponding period of last financial year.

While the Corporation had set a target of Rs 33.44 crore this fiscal year, it   is now expecting to touch the figure of Rs.36.50 crore revenue generation at its cable car installations.

The information was given in 31^st meeting of Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporation Limited held under the Chairmanship of Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir here today.

Minister of State for Tourism and Home, Mr. Sajad Ahmed Kichloo was also present in the meeting. Principal Secretary Planning and Development department, Mr. B. R Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance, Mr. B.B. Vyas, Secretary Tourism Mr. Zaffar Ahmed Bhat, MD, JKSCCC, Mr. Tufail Matoo were among other senior officers who attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed physical and financial targets of the Corporation set for current financial year. It was revealed that 5.57 lakh tourists enjoyed Gandola ride till January this year and the figure is expected to go up to 7 lakh by the  end of the financial year. The meeting was informed that Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway was completed and commissioned last December, and has  attracted good response from the visitors earning a revenue of Rs. 2 lakh in two months.

About Rs 40 crore Jammu Rope Way project from Peerkho to Mahamaya to Shahbad, it was informed that foundation of the project has been laid and construction work would be completed within the stipulated time frame. The meeting was informed that after conducting a detailed survey for  Veerinag ropeway project,  the DPRs of Rs 18.50 crore has been formulated and it is proposed that project would be taken up on BOOT Basis. The construction of ropeway at Shivkhori Reasi also came for discussion and concerned authorities were asked to complete all the requisite formalities for taking up the project well in time.

The meeting also discussed measures for upgrading and modernization of Gandola Project, Gulmarg. It was informed that the corporation has introduced e-governance and the tourists, skiers are now being provided boarding passes online. The WIFI networking and time and attendance Management System for the employees have also been completed.

It was also given out that the Corporation has insured its assets including new Chairlift at Kangdori. Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister underscored the need for making the corporation more vibrant and commercial by taking new initiatives for attracting tourists. He emphasized the need for time bound completion of various Cable Car related works including Jammu ropeway. He also stressed for exploring potential areas for developing more cable car projects in the State. (KNS)