MAV introduced for tourists in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 2 (UNI) Keeping in view the heavy rush of tourists, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have decided to allow two-way traffic on the 300-km Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and introduced a ''Mobile Assistance Vehicle (MAV)'' for helping tourists in the city.

''Because of heavy rush of tourists from different parts of the country, particularly plains, where temperatures have touched plus 40 degrees, the authorities have decided to allow two-way traffic on the highway, the only road linking the Valley with the rest of the country,'' Director Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah said.

He said the highway will remain open for traffic from Srinagar and Jammu on all days and first priority will be given to tourist vehicles. Only one-way traffic was being allowed on the highway for the past six months.

''We expect a bumper season this year as there is good response from tourists. We have enough accommodation and can accommodate all tourists as security forces have shifted to other places from a number of hotels and other buildings,'' Mr Shah said.

He said the Tourism Department had introduced MAV, equipped with telephone and wireless set and other necessary equipment, from this afternoon.

The MAV will keep moving on Boulvard road from Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) to different Mughal gardens on the banks of the Dal Lake.

Officials of different departments will remain in the MAV to help the tourists, he added.

UNI