Dharamshala, Feb. 2 -- The Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union budget 2026-27, announced that ecologically sustainable mountain trails would be developed in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats and Podhigai Malai in the Western Ghats. "The country has the potential to offer world-class trekking and hiking experience," she said.

In Himachal Pradesh, tourism and hospitality industry lauded the announcement. It would benefit the state and strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination, they said.

Ashwani Bamba, president of Hotel & Restaurant Association, Dharamshala, said, "Though the budget does not announce a separate state-specific tourism pac...