New Boat Tourism Facility Opens on Tawi River Banks in Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir administration has opened a new boat rides facility on the banks of Tawi River to serve as a new attraction for pilgrims, tourists, and locals visiting the region coinciding with the commencement of the 2026 Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage). The facility was inaugurated by Dr. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation and Chief Executive Officer of Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL); the inauguration ceremony saw intense participation from senior officials and the public. This project is positioned as a critical part of the strategy to transform the Tawi River banks into a major urban redevelopment and tourism hub under the Smart Cities Mission.

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Devansh Yadav highlighted that Jammu is the gateway to the holy Amarnath Cave and hosts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually, stating that they are taking steps to boost the city's tourism potential. Dr. Yadav expressed that this new boating facility would offer an extra entertainment option to enrich visitors' experiences during their stay in the city and contribute to the promotion of the region. He added that the core aim of the project is to create quality public spaces by bringing together tourism, recreation, sustainable development, and improved urban infrastructure.

Immediately following the ceremony, during the initial trial runs, pilgrims, tourists, and locals had the opportunity to get a close look at the facility by traveling on boats in groups. Visitors and locals expressed their satisfaction, describing this initiative as a valuable new attraction won for Jammu's tourism sector. In statements made by officials, it was shared that the facility will be open to visitors every day between 10:00 AM and 19:00 (7:00 PM).

Each session duration at the boat facility is planned for 15 minutes, and the fee per person is set at 100 Rupees (Rs). Different options are offered based on visitors' preferences and group sizes; these options include pedal boats, rafting boats, motorized boats, and shikaras (traditional boats) suitable for the region's cultural texture. Additionally, an online reservation system has been activated via the address tawiboating.myjammu.in, enabling visitors to reserve their spots in advance and plan before arriving.

Officials also emphasized great importance to the security issue, announcing that comprehensive security measures have been taken for all operations. These measures include the mandatory wearing of life jackets for everyone on boats, trained and certified boat captains, rescue personnel on standby at all times on the river, and emergency response teams. Developed under the Smart Cities Mission framework, the Tawi River Front Project currently features landscaped walking trails, cycling and jogging tracks, musical fountains, modern lighting systems, and various social amenities. With the addition of boat tourism to this complex, the region's position is expected to be further strengthened as one of Jammu's most enjoyable and significant tourism spots.