Dharamshala Hoteliers Call for Urgent Infrastructure Improvements to Boost Tourism
Hoteliers in Dharamshala have raised serious concerns about the declining tourism in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Kangra-Chamba region, due to inadequate infrastructure and poor connectivity. In a recent dinner meeting with the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kangra-Chamba, Rajeev Bhardwaj, the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Dharamshala presented a memorandum highlighting the region’s struggle to compete with neighbouring tourist destinations like Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir.
Ashwani Bamba, the president of the association, expressed the frustration of local hoteliers who believe that the region’s rich cultural and natural offerings, such as the Dalai Lama’s presence and numerous temples, are being overlooked by tourists due to the area’s poor infrastructure. He pointed out that the region faces a significant drop in tourism during the winter months, largely due to the lack of adequate transportation and infrastructure.
Kangra has long struggled with accessibility issues, particularly for tourists coming from major cities. The absence of a fast and efficient railway system is a major barrier, and the association is pushing for the upgrading of the Kangra-Pathankot-Joginder Nagar narrow gauge railway line to a broad gauge. This upgrade would help facilitate smoother and faster transportation for visitors, opening up the region to more tourists throughout the year. Despite its stunning natural attractions, including the Inderhara glacier, the tourism potential of the region remains underutilised due to the accessibility challenges. The association has proposed the creation of a ropeway connecting key locations, such as Bhagsunag, Truind, and Inderhara, to enhance connectivity and attract winter tourism. The ropeway, they argue, would provide tourists with an easy, scenic route to the Dholadhar ranges, allowing visitors of all ages to explore the snow-capped mountains safely and conveniently.
Given that the state of Himachal Pradesh is currently facing a financial crunch, the association has asked MP Rajeev Bhardwaj to intervene and help secure central funding for critical infrastructure projects under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD schemes. The hoteliers are requesting funding for the construction of essential facilities such as parking spaces, public conveniences, resting areas, and beautification of key tourist destinations. Although Dharamshala is part of the Smart City programme, the association claims that the city still lacks many basic amenities such as parking, sewage systems, signages, community centres, and smart mobility solutions. The association has urged the MP to push for the development of the Dharamshala Tourism Circle under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme to ensure the region’s holistic, sustainable growth.
In addition to requesting central government funding, the association also asked MP Bhardwaj to use funds under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for creating basic infrastructure in the region. The hoteliers believe that these funds could be instrumental in addressing immediate infrastructure needs, providing a more attractive and convenient destination for tourists. The meeting underscored the growing concerns of the local tourism industry and the need for significant investment in infrastructure and connectivity. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Dharamshala and the Kangra-Chamba region have immense potential to become a year-round tourist destination. However, as Ashwani Bamba pointed out, unless the region’s infrastructure issues are addressed, it risks losing out to neighbouring states that are investing heavily in improving their tourism infrastructure. As the memorandum has been handed over to MP Rajeev Bhardwaj, the hope is that his intervention will help secure the funding and resources necessary to transform the region into a sustainable and attractive tourist hub for the long term.
