Go-Air launches Mumbai-Srinagar direct flight

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Srinagar, Apr 6 (UNI) Go-Air, a low cost carrier promoted by Bombay Dyeing, today launched the first direct flight between Srinagar and Mumbai.

The flight was launched by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig and Go-Air Chairman Jeh Wadia.

The airline will operate two flights a week for the time being.

Addressing a news conference here, Mr Wadia said with the launch the travel distance between India's commercial capital and Srinagar will be reduced significantly besides giving a major boost to the militancy-hit tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

A person intending to travel between Mumbai and Srinagar will now onwards save about six hours of time as the flight would take only two hours and 40 minutes, he added.

Mr Wadia said the airline has entered into a collaboration with the Mumbai-based Raja Rani Travels, a leading tour and travel operator of the country.

''We want to help the government in making the Kashmir valley the number one tourist destination of India,'' he added.

The Go-Air Chairman said the airline would launch services between Delhi and Srinagar and also on the Jammu-Srinagar route from June this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Baig said the state government was making all-out efforts to rebuild the tourism infrastructure damaged during the past 16 years of turmoil.

He said about 12 lakh tourists, including a large number of foreigners, are expected to visit the Kashmir valley this year.

Mr Baig said the state government was also promoting tourism in Jammu and Ladakh divisions.

Tourism Director General Mohammad Salim Beg said the carrier would also be used for cargo services in transporting cherries and other products from the Kashmir valley.

He said the tourism department has launched travel helpline and other value added services for visitors from today.

UNI AG FMH SS HT1748

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