Srinagar, Oct 29 (KNS): Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez inaugurated first of its kind 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 on the inaugural ceremony.
The exhibition was organized by Kashmir Off-Road in collaboration with Department of Tourism Kashmir and Big FM.
People in droves converged at the banks of Nigeen Lake 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 visitors.
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.
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.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary Tourism said exhibition of classic cars are held at many places in the world but in Srinagar the exhibition has 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.
“We want positive news to come out of the Valley and make Srinagar a happening place. If tourist visits here, they should not only see the natural beauty, which Valley is already known for, but they should enjoy different activities here,” said Sarmad Hafeez.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
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 travellers 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 travellers also,” said Secretary Tourism.
By this event, it was for the first time that likeminded people from Kashmir who own classic cars met here and showcased their vehicles.
“This event is a treat for car lovers. They would love to visit here and see old cars. This way an activity has been created making Srinagar a lively city,” said Sarmad Hafeez.
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 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 good response from locals and it has turned out to be crowd puller.
He said the event has also generated interested among people who own such old cars.
“This will be an annual event. Those who could not participate in its first edition this year will participate in the future. There are many people who own such cars who can display them here,” said Director tourism.
Director Tourism said more events will be organized in future also so that positive news come out from Kashmir.
Ali Sajid of Kashmir Off Road said visitors will be asked to vote for the car of their liking accordingly the owner who gets maximum votes will get be awarded. (KNS)