The iconic Gulmarg Gondola, a major tourist attraction in Jammu and Kashmir, has recommenced its operations after a prolonged shutdown lasting over a month due to a technical malfunction. The cable car service, which had been suspended since May 25, resumed on Thursday, marking the full restoration of this popular destination following extensive repair, maintenance, and rigorous safety inspections. The closure had left hundreds of tourists and local guides stranded mid-air during the initial incident, necessitating a large-scale rescue operation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially inaugurated the reopened Gondola, taking a ride to Phase-I at Kongdoori to personally inspect the restored system. Officials from the J&K Cable Car Corporation provided him with a detailed briefing on the repair work undertaken. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, this work included the crucial replacement of the gearbox, a component identified as the source of the technical snag. Comprehensive safety audits were conducted prior to the service being cleared for public use, ensuring all operational and safety concerns were thoroughly addressed.
Speaking to reporters at the site, Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized the government’s deliberate approach to the reopening process. “The interim report has been received. Services have resumed only after the original manufacturer certified the maintenance and repair works and completed the necessary inspections,” he stated, underscoring the commitment to safety above all else. He further expressed his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of the corporation staff and the swift response of the rescue teams. Their round-the-clock efforts were instrumental in both restoring the service and ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers stranded during the May incident. To acknowledge their significant contribution, Abdullah announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for each official, crew member, and personnel involved in the successful rescue and relief operations.
Tourists are now able to book their Gondola rides conveniently through the official online portal managed by the J&K Cable Car Corporation. Earlier in the month, the Jammu and Kashmir Government had established a high-level, five-member committee tasked with investigating the precise circumstances that led to the malfunction on May 25. This panel was mandated to submit its findings and recommendations to the Tourism Department within a 10-day period. However, the report from this committee has not yet been made public, leaving the detailed findings of the investigation pending disclosure.
Despite the extended closure of the Gondola service, Chief Minister Abdullah commented on the resilience of tourist arrivals in Gulmarg. He noted that the region continued to attract visitors even when the cable car was not operational. “We were concerned that tourists might stay away because the Gondola was not operational, but that did not happen. Tourism continued to flourish, and we expect visitor numbers to increase further now that the service has resumed,” he remarked. This sentiment suggests a strong underlying appeal of Gulmarg as a tourist destination, capable of sustaining visitor interest even with temporary disruptions to its key attractions. The resumption of the Gondola is anticipated to further boost the local economy and enhance the overall visitor experience, reinforcing Gulmarg’s status as a premier tourist spot in India.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.