TourismRescue – Gulmarg Gondola Evacuation Highlights Swift Multi-Agency Coordination
TourismRescue – Hundreds of visitors stranded in the Gulmarg Gondola system were brought to safety after security and disaster response teams carried out a large-scale rescue operation following a technical failure in Jammu and Kashmir.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday praised the coordinated efforts of the agencies involved in rescuing tourists trapped in suspended cable cars at Gulmarg. The operation, which lasted several hours, successfully evacuated nearly 300 people after multiple gondola cabins stopped functioning mid-air because of a mechanical problem.
Defence Minister Commends Rescue Agencies
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh appreciated the dedication and professionalism shown by the rescue personnel during the difficult operation. He said the mission demonstrated the country’s strong disaster response capabilities and highlighted the teamwork between civil and security agencies.
According to the Defence Minister, the combined efforts of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration ensured that all stranded passengers were evacuated safely. He also acknowledged the courage and quick decision-making of the teams working under challenging conditions in the mountainous region.
Technical Fault Halted Gondola Operations
The incident took place after a technical malfunction disrupted the functioning of the Gulmarg Gondola system, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said that several cable cars became suspended during operations, leaving passengers stranded high above the ground for hours.
Authorities confirmed that out of the total 65 gondola cabins in the system, 62 were impacted by the disruption. Three cabins were reportedly not operational at the time of the incident. Among the affected cabins, 52 carried passengers while 10 were empty.
The sudden disruption triggered concern among tourists and officials, leading to an immediate emergency response involving several agencies. Rescue teams worked continuously to restore safety and bring passengers down in phases.
Nearly 300 Tourists Safely Evacuated
Officials stated that approximately 286 people were rescued during the extensive evacuation process. Rescue operations were conducted from both ends of the gondola system to ensure faster evacuation and better coordination.
Police officials said that 148 people were rescued from one side of the cable network, while another 138 passengers were evacuated from the opposite side. The operation continued for nearly six hours before all stranded tourists were safely brought back to the ground.
The rescue mission required careful planning due to the height and terrain involved. Teams reportedly used specialised equipment and followed safety protocols to avoid panic among passengers trapped inside the cabins.
Multi-Agency Effort Credited for Success
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat described the rescue mission as a successful example of coordinated emergency management. He said all agencies involved worked together efficiently after the technical snag was detected in the Gulmarg Gondola system.
Officials noted that the quick mobilisation of security personnel and emergency teams helped prevent injuries and ensured the safe evacuation of all tourists. The incident also drew attention to the importance of maintaining emergency response systems at major tourist destinations, especially in high-altitude areas that witness heavy visitor movement during the travel season.
The Gulmarg Gondola remains one of the key tourism attractions in Jammu and Kashmir and regularly draws large numbers of domestic and international tourists. Authorities are expected to review the technical issue and assess operational safety measures to avoid similar disruptions in the future.