Pahalgam, which was teeming with visitors till Tuesday, April 22, afternoon, wore a deserted look soon after the terror attack, with tourists leaving the place for safety
Pahalgam is one of the most popular tourist hubs in Jammu and Kashmir (Representational Image/Pexels)
In the wake of a terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, tourists have been forced to be on guard since April 22. With uncertainty hanging in the air, there are a lot of changes since yesterday that they need to know about that not only include a shutdown but also flight departures.
The situated escalated after a tragic incident where at least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s popular tourist hub Pahalgam, and has shaken the valley since then. The attack took place at Baisaran, a meadow accessible only by foot or horses, where a group of tourists had gone visiting the same morning.
The incident has not only raised major security concerns but also affected tourism in Pahalgam, which is a favourite travel destination among domestic as well as foreign travellers. The attack comes at a time when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years, PTI reported.
According to reports, the hill station, which was teeming with visitors till Tuesday afternoon, wore a deserted look soon after the attack, with tourists leaving the place fearing for their safety.
Kashmir shutdown
In condemnation of this inhumane act, the Kashmir valley is observing a shutdown on Wednesday with organisations from all walks of life supporting the call for a bandh.
What is shut?
Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments are shut in the city, PTI reported. Additionally, public transport is also sparse, while private vehicles are operating normally.
Security forces are maintaining strong vigil in the area, especially at famous tourist spots and establishments.
Additional flights
In response to the situation, Indian airlines Air India and IndiGo announced that they will operate a total of four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday.
"In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23," Air India said in a post on X, adding, “All our other flights to and from Srinagar will continue to operate as per schedule.”
Offering additional support for tourists, the airline is also offering complementary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30 in the area.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) April 22, 2025
In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, 23rd April.
Details of the two flights are as under:
Srinagar to Delhi – 11:30 AM
Srinagar to Mumbai – 12:00 noon
Booking for…
IndiGo has also announced waivers on rescheduling and cancellation, in addition to operating two special flights on Wednesday, April 23.
#TravelAdvisory:
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 22, 2025
In light of the current situation in #Srinagar, we’ve extended waivers on rescheduling/cancellation. We’re also operating two special flights on April 23. For more information, please visit https://t.co/h9C5tfcUUP or call +91 124 4973838 - +91 124 6173838 pic.twitter.com/SDccuqW1Gl
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also asked airlines to increase the number of flights from Srinagar to facilitate the return of tourists in the aftermath of the terror attack.
About Pahalgam
Against the backdrop of Lidder river, Pahalgam is a beautiful tourist destination in Kashmir Valley, known for its snow-capped mountains and lush green meadows. Baisaran, about six kilometres from Pahalgam, where the attack occurred, is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India,’ it is also a favoured campsite for trekkers.
Additionally, several pilgrims from across the country travel to the Amarnath cave shrine through the Pahalgam route. This year, the Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3.
(With inputs from PTI)
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