The Gulmarg Gondola rescue operation continued late into Monday after a technical fault stopped several cable cars mid-air in Jammu and Kashmir. More than 300 tourists, including women, children and elderly passengers, were stranded inside cabins for hours.
The incident happened at the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable ropeways. Officials said the service developed a fault around 2.30 pm, forcing dozens of cabins to stop midway.
Many tourists panicked after the cabins stopped suddenly. Some passengers were seen crying and calling for help. Rescue teams from the Army, SDRF and NDRF rushed to the spot soon after the alert was issued.
Gulmarg Gondola rescue operation continues
Officials said around 62 cabins were affected. Rescue teams evacuated passengers from at least 10 cabins by evening. Several people were brought down safely using ropes. Tourists in lower cabins were rescued with the help of ladders.
Army personnel climbed onto the cables to reach stranded cabins. Emergency teams also created safe landing points on the slopes below.
“All tourists stranded in the cabins are safe. Rescue teams are working continuously,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
The distance between Srinagar and Gulmarg is around 51 km. Special rescue teams were sent from Srinagar after the incident.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was closely monitoring the situation. He directed police and emergency officials to stay at the site until all passengers were rescued.
Why the Gulmarg Gondola is famous
The Gulmarg Gondola is Asia’s highest and longest cable car system. It is also the world’s third-highest ropeway. The cable car reaches a height of nearly 3,980 metres above sea level.
The ropeway connects Gulmarg with Kongdoori and Afarwat Peak. It is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most popular tourist attractions and draws thousands of visitors every year.
China’s Dagu Glacier Gondola is currently the world’s highest cable car system, while Venezuela’s Merida Cable Car ranks second globally.
For more tourism and national news updates, visit Vision MP Madhya Pradesh.
