Hundreds of tourists were left stranded on Monday after the cable car system at the popular Gulmarg resort in Jammu and Kashmir experienced a technical malfunction, officials confirmed. According to news agency PTI, operations for both phases of the Gulmarg cable car service, widely recognized as the Gondola, were suspended following the disruption.
Officials reported that the technical snag caused a temporary halt to the rides, trapping many visitors mid-air. However, swift action by rescue teams ensured that all stranded tourists were safely evacuated from the cabins. Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted the rescue operations efficiently, bringing everyone to safety without any injuries.
Restoration work on the cable car system is currently underway, with technical teams working to resolve the issue and restore normalcy as soon as possible. The authorities have assured that the situation is under control and that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Government Response and Assurance
The Office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a statement via social media, reassuring the public about the incident. The statement read, "Government is closely monitoring the situation at the Gulmarg Gondola after the cable car service was temporarily halted due to a technical fault. All cabins remain intact, and rescue operations to safely evacuate stranded tourists are underway with trained teams on the ground. The situation is completely under control, and there is no cause for panic."
The prompt response from the government and disaster response forces has been widely appreciated, highlighting the preparedness and efficiency of the rescue teams. Tourists who were rescued expressed gratitude for the swift action, though many recounted moments of anxiety during the ordeal.
Background and Significance of Gulmarg Gondola
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable car systems in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. It is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the globe. The service operates in two phases, with the first phase taking tourists from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and the second phase ascending further to Apharwat Peak. The technical glitch that occurred on Monday disrupted the experience for hundreds of tourists, but the efficient rescue efforts ensured that no one was harmed.
Officials have stated that a thorough investigation into the cause of the malfunction will be conducted to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, tourists and locals alike are hopeful that the Gondola service will resume soon, allowing visitors to once again enjoy the scenic beauty of Gulmarg.
