While Jammu & Kashmir’s Dal Lake is a total show stopper, Jhelum River is no less. Originally known as Vitatsa, due to its source, Verinaga Spring, it flows across the Union Territory and has various tributaries. Now, Jammu & Kashmir is taking a new step to develop the decades-old water transport culture in the Jhelum river. A luxury bus boat imported from New Zealand will introduce water transport in the Jhelum river and lure tourists to Srinagar.
Luxury Bus Boat To Come Up In J&K’s Jhelum River
Jammu & Kashmir’s transport authority has introduced the first imported luxury bus boat for a fun cruise on the Jhelum river. This is done with the aim of reviving water transport in the Jhelum river, Kashmir’s identity and heritage. The 30-seater ‘Bus Boat” imported from a New Zealand-based company named Mac is currently undergoing trials. Apart from the “Bus Boat”, a 10-12 seater luxury pontoon boat has also been shipped from the United States. The luxury bus boat will have a music system, TV, air conditioning and more. While tourists can happily cruise along the Jhelum river in a luxury bus boat, locals can use this boat for an eco-friendly and faster mode of transport, avoiding traffic congestion in Srinagar.
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Eco-Friendly Bus Boat To Have Luxury Amenities
According to NDTV, the luxury bus boat will have seven stops at Pantha Chowk, Rajbagh, Peerzo, Polo View, Amira Kadal, Khankahi Moula, and Veer Chattabal. Gautam Bossley, driver of the boat informed NDTV that it’s a fibreglass boat with all amenities. A conference with 10 to 12 people can also be conducted inside the boat. He further revealed that the new luxury bus boat will entice tourists and enhance water transport in Jammu & Kashmir.
A local resident, Aqib Sultan revealed that tourists can sail through both the Jhelum river and Dal Lake in this stunning boat. Meanwhile, our Chief Editor, Kamiya Jani sailed through Dal Lake in a charming houseboat.