Tourism – Gulmarg Gondola Services Remain Suspended Following Safety Review
Tourism – Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have decided to keep the Gulmarg Gondola service closed until further notice as detailed safety inspections and maintenance work continue. The decision comes nearly two weeks after a technical problem interrupted operations and left hundreds of visitors stranded inside cable car cabins above the popular tourist destination. Officials say the suspension will remain in effect until all safety concerns are fully addressed.
Closure Continues After Major Rescue Operation
The Gulmarg Gondola has been out of service since May 25, when a mechanical fault caused the cable car system to stop unexpectedly. Around 320 tourists were trapped in 65 cabins suspended in the air during the incident. Emergency teams launched a large-scale rescue effort that lasted approximately eight hours.
Personnel from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Border Security Force, and local administration worked together to safely evacuate all passengers. No major injuries were reported, but the incident raised concerns about the operational reliability of the system.
Safety Assessments Underway
The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), which manages the Gondola project, confirmed that the attraction will stay closed while experts continue technical evaluations.
According to an official communication issued by the corporation, maintenance work and comprehensive safety assessments are still in progress. Authorities have emphasized that tourist operations will resume only after the system is found to be fully secure for public use.
The Gulmarg Gondola is considered one of the highest cable car networks in the world. Its first phase reaches Kongdori at an elevation of 10,006 feet, while the second phase extends to Affarwat, located about 12,959 feet above sea level.
Government Forms Investigation Committee
In response to the malfunction, the government has established a five-member committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the disruption.
The panel has been assigned the responsibility of reconstructing the complete sequence of events connected to the technical failure. Investigators will conduct an in-depth review of the cable car system, including its mechanical components, electrical infrastructure, electronic equipment, braking mechanisms, communication networks, control systems, and safety features.
Officials said the committee will also evaluate whether established maintenance schedules, inspection procedures, operating guidelines, and safety protocols were properly followed before and during the incident.
Focus on Accountability and Corrective Measures
Apart from identifying the root cause of the malfunction, investigators have been asked to determine whether any operational shortcomings or negligence contributed to the event.
The committee will examine the roles of individuals and agencies involved in operating and maintaining the Gondola service. If any procedural violations or lapses are discovered, responsibility will be fixed accordingly.
In addition, the panel is expected to recommend immediate corrective actions aimed at improving safety standards and facilitating the eventual restoration of services.
Tourism Industry Reports Impact
The continued closure has also affected the local tourism sector, which relies heavily on the Gondola as a major attraction for visitors.
Industry representatives say the suspension has led to a noticeable decline in tourist activity in Gulmarg. Travel operators report that many visitors are shortening their trips or choosing not to stay overnight because the cable car ride is one of the resort’s most sought-after experiences.
Tourism stakeholders have suggested expanding the range of recreational activities available in the area. They believe attractions such as hot-air balloon rides and paragliding could provide alternative experiences for visitors and reduce dependence on a single tourism product.
For now, authorities remain focused on completing inspections and implementing necessary improvements before the iconic Gondola service returns to operation.