Shimla — The Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association has urged the government to launch Vande Bharat express from major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore to Chandigarh or Kalka to attract more tourists to Himachal Pradesh.
Noting a significant influx of tourists from Maharashtra and Gujarat, the association highlighted the untapped potential of the southern Indian market due to limited rail connectivity.
Presently, only one train operates to Chandigarh from cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
The association proposed the introduction of a daily Vande Bharat train between Mumbai and Chandigarh, emphasizing that this route covers key cities in Gujarat, expanding connectivity.
They stressed the need for increased rail services from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, asserting that daily trains could substantially benefit Himachal's tourism sector.
Acknowledging the government's efforts to improve air connectivity, the association expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for initiatives such as the Ambala-Shimla air service and plans for services from Jaipur, Dehradun, and Lucknow to Shimla.
Tourism Industry in Himachal is still reeling under slump as it was hit first by the Pandemic in 2020 and then by the July August Flash Floods and Heavy rains in 2023.
Anticipating a surge in tourist arrivals, they believe these measures will positively impact the state's economy.
