Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Tuesday approved a 40-year public-private partnership (PPP) model for the operation and maintenance of the long-pending Hotel Ashok project in Gulmarg, besides clearing the establishment of an IT/Innovation Park in collaboration with IIT Jammu and promoting 28 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers. According to sources, the Cabinet approved outsourcing the operation and maintenance of Hotel Ashok through the PPP model for a concession period of 40 years, including a five-year construction phase, in a move aimed at reviving the long-stalled tourism project. ADVERTISEMENTThe Hotel Ashok project dates back to 1984, when the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir government leased 64 kanals of land to the India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC) for the construction of the hotel. ADVERTISEMENTIn another decision, the Cabinet gave its nod to the transfer of land for several public infrastructure projects. The approvals are aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure, promoting innovation and facilitating key public development projects across Jammu and Kashmir.