PHOTO BY || JAHANGIR SHAH | KNO
In first of its kind, Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez today inaugurated exclusive exhibition of vintage, classic, modified and modern collection of cars, motorbikes, and bicycles here at Nigeen club. Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah was also present at the inaugural ceremony.
The exhibition was organized by Kashmir Off-Road in collaboration with Department of Tourism Kashmir and Big FM.
Scores of people converged to see the rare collection of around 60 vintage, classic and modern cars dating from the mid 20th century to present day.
Be it Chevrolet Fleet Master of 1942, Nissan Jonga of the year 1965, Chevrolet Impala of the year 1969, Morris Mirror of the year 1952 or the motorbikes of the likes of Royal Enfield of the year 1969, or the scooters, off-road jeeps and the modern day MBWs – all the vehicles caught the attention of the visitors.
The event was organized to give the locals in the Valley a new thing to experience and take them to their old memories of the vehicles.
The organizers informed the visitors that some of the vehicles were painstakingly remodeled and reconditioning that would have required a great deal of automotive knowledge.
Big trailers like Recreational vehicle (RV) having living space and all amenities found in a home or an old model Atlas cycle fitted with dynamo headlight were also on the display for motor vehicles lovers.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez said an exhibition of classic cars are held at many places in the world, but in a rare instance the exhibition in Srinagar has the beautiful setting of natural beauty on the banks of Nigeen Lake.
He said the department wants to encourage such activities which create some sort of buzz in the Valley and keep people engaged in good activities.
He said some of the vehicles in the exhibition are popular in Europe and their display here will also help promote tourism.
“If we had foreign travelers here, they would have loved to visit this place and see the classic collection of 20th-century vehicles. By supporting and organizing such events, we would like to spread positive news across and attract travelers also,” said Secretary Tourism.
“This event is a treat for car lovers. They would love to visit here and see old cars. Such activities help in making Srinagar a lively city,” said Sarmad Hafeez.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism Kashmir said during this event many visitors saw the classic cars for the first time and were happy about this event.
He said the department has also lined up more activities in the autumn and winter.
“We want to promote tourism by joining hands with private stakeholders and work as a family. We will support every event which is aimed at promoting tourism and creating a buzz here.”
He said the department wants to create an atmosphere in Kashmir which will encourage tourists to visit Kashmir.
Director Tourism said the event has generated a good response from locals and it has turned out to be a crowd puller.
He added more such events will be organized in future also so that positive news comes out from Kashmir.