‘24×7 multi-lingual helpline received over 1.64 lakh calls in 2025’
Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Mar 26 :
The Centre has stated that Jammu and Kashmir has put in place dedicated tourist police and helpline facilities to enhance safety and security for visitors at major tourist destinations across the Union Territory.
Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that J&K is among the UTs where tourist police have been deployed to strengthen on-ground security mechanisms and assist tourists.
He said the safety of tourists is primarily the responsibility of the Union Territory administration, while the Ministry of Tourism continues to coordinate with J&K to further improve safety measures.
The minister informed that a 24×7 multi-lingual tourist helpline—available on toll-free number 1800111363 and short code 1363—has been set up to provide support, information and assistance to tourists travelling across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir.
As per official data, the helpline received 1,64,183 calls during 2025, reflecting its growing use among tourists seeking assistance in UT’s.
The government also highlighted that initiatives like the ‘Safe Tourism Destination for Women’ scheme under the Nirbhaya Fund are being promoted to improve safety infrastructure, particularly for women tourists visiting destinations in J&K.
Additionally, authorities have adopted the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’ to ensure dignity, safety and protection of tourists, especially women and children.
The Centre reiterated that continuous efforts are underway in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to provide a safe and secure tourism environment in the Union Territory—(KNO)