GULMARG — Panic gripped the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg on Monday as a sudden technical malfunction brought the world-famous Gulmarg Gondola to a grinding halt, leaving approximately 300 tourists suspended mid-air in cabins across various phases of the cable car route.
Rescue Operation in Full Swing
Emergency services were dispatched immediately after the system failed, triggering a high-stakes rescue operation. Authorities have confirmed that teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Army’s 9 Raj Rif are working in tandem to safely evacuate all passengers.
“Our priority is the safety of every single tourist,” a local administration official stated on-site. “We are monitoring the situation closely and providing constant updates to the families waiting at the base station. The rescue teams are working with urgency to bring everyone down safely.”
No Casualties Reported
While the incident caused significant distress and alarm among the stranded passengers, officials have been quick to reassure the public that the situation is under control. There have been no reported injuries or casualties.
“It was a sudden technical snag that caused the system to stop,” a technical expert at the site noted. “Our teams are already working to rectify the fault, but our primary focus right now is ensuring the safe and orderly descent of every individual still on the line.”
A Major Disruption
The Gulmarg Gondola is the backbone of tourism in the region, drawing thousands of visitors daily for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. Today’s incident marks a rare and significant disruption to its operations.
As the rescue operation continues, the administration has urged visitors and locals to remain calm and avoid gathering near the restricted rescue zones to ensure that emergency vehicles have unimpeded access to the site.
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