Mumbai, April 23, 2025: In the wake of a terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has decided to put all its Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) tour packages on hold, effective immediately.
This decision impacts tours scheduled to depart after April 25, 2025, amid growing concerns about the safety of tourists in the region. IRCTC, the tourism and hospitality arm of Indian Railways, operates group tours to Jammu and Kashmir, with each batch typically consisting of around 30 passengers. Currently, there are approximately 170 tourists in J&K as part of these tours, including 20 from Mumbai. The suspended tours, particularly those scheduled for the peak summer season, have been a popular option for travellers eager to explore Kashmir’s scenic beauty. The move to halt the packages was announced a day after the tragic attack in Pahalgam, which left tourists shaken and raised alarms about the safety situation in the region. In response, IRCTC has also offered full refunds for customers who wish to cancel their Kashmir tour bookings. The organisation assured that the safety of its customers is of utmost importance and that the suspension would remain in effect until further notice.
“The recent incident in Pahalgam has prompted us to take immediate action to ensure the safety of our tourists. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take further steps based on security updates,” an IRCTC official said. The decision to put the tours on hold is expected to disrupt travel plans for many, especially since Kashmir typically witnesses a surge in tourism during the summer months. The suspension of these tours comes as a significant blow to the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which heavily relies on domestic tourism. With tourist season at its peak, the cancellation of these tours could lead to a substantial decline in the number of visitors to the region, impacting hotels, transport services, and local businesses. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has added to ongoing concerns about the safety of tourists in the region, despite efforts by the government to improve security measures. Kashmir, once known as a top tourist destination, has seen fluctuating tourism levels in recent years, with periods of instability often affecting travel patterns.
IRCTC’s decision reflects the broader concern within the tourism industry over how to balance promoting travel to sensitive regions with the safety and well-being of tourists. As Kashmir faces uncertain times, it remains to be seen how long this suspension will last and what measures will be implemented to restore confidence among travellers. The suspension of IRCTC’s Jammu and Kashmir packages has cast a shadow over the tourism industry in the region, particularly as the summer season—usually a peak time for tourism—draws closer. However, the priority remains clear: the safety of every traveller visiting this scenic yet historically tumultuous region.
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