OVER 300 TOURISTS SAFELY EVACUATED IN SEVEN-HOUR OPERATION
More than 300 tourists found themselves suspended mid-air for hours on Monday, May 25, 2026, after a significant technical snag brought the popular Gulmarg Gondola cable car service to an abrupt halt. The incident, which occurred around midday, affected both phases of the operation, leaving passengers trapped in cabins dangling at considerable heights, some reportedly close to 500 feet above the ground. A multi-agency rescue effort, involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and civil administration, worked for approximately seven hours to ensure the safe evacuation of all stranded individuals. Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported.
The Gulmarg Gondola, Asia's highest ropeway, experienced a critical technical malfunction, halting operations and stranding over 300 tourists. A comprehensive, seven-hour rescue operation involving multiple agencies successfully evacuated everyone.
The breakdown caused palpable panic among the tourists, a situation exacerbated by heavy rain in the region which, according to officials, impeded rescue efforts. The Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha stated he had directed DGP Nalin Prabhat to personally oversee the unfolding rescue operation. Similarly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah communicated via the social media platform X that he was closely monitoring the situation, assuring that it was under control and there was no cause for alarm. His office also posted that all cabins remained intact.
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RESCUE EFFORTS AND OFFICIAL RESPONSE
The swiftness of the rescue was attributed to coordinated efforts, with the Army's Chinar Corps specifically noted for their participation. Videos of the rescue operation were shared, highlighting the involvement of various trained teams. Restoration work on the cable car system has been initiated following the successful evacuation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with high-altitude tourism infrastructure.
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BACKGROUND: THE GULMARG GONDOLA
The Gulmarg Gondola is a well-known tourist attraction in Jammu and Kashmir, renowned as one of the highest ropeways globally. It comprises two phases, transporting visitors to different vantage points of the scenic Gulmarg valley. The service has experienced prior, albeit less severe, technical issues, with a temporary suspension noted in January of the previous year due to technical problems. The resort's popularity, particularly among tourists, makes such operational failures a significant concern for local authorities and the tourism industry.
