Chaos Erupts Mid-Air: Technical Glitch Hits Gulmarg Gondola; 300 Tourists Stranded
A major technical malfunction struck Jammu and Kashmir's renowned Gulmarg Gondola ropeway on Monday, causing several cable car cabins to come to a standstill while suspended in mid-air. The incident triggered panic and chaos at the site, leaving approximately 300 tourists stranded for several hours.
Tourists were seen screaming for help
According to eyewitnesses, as soon as the ropeway abruptly halted, many tourists began trembling with fear. Some tourists were seen weeping and screaming for help, while children and elderly passengers appeared to be the most terrified during the ordeal.
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched
Upon receiving information regarding the malfunction, rescue teams were immediately dispatched to Gulmarg from Srinagar. Personnel from the Indian Army, Police, SDRF, and the local administration promptly launched a massive rescue operation to safely evacuate the stranded tourists.
Govt is closely monitoring: CM
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation. He assured the public that all tourists inside the cabins are safe and that trained rescue teams are actively working to evacuate them. He also appealed to the public not to panic.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that he is personally overseeing the rescue operation. He noted that senior officials, along with teams from the Police, Army, SDRF, District Administration, and other departments, are present at the scene.
One of the World's Highest Ropeway Systems
The Gulmarg Gondola is considered Asia's highest and longest cable car project, and it ranks among the highest ropeway systems in the world. It operates in two phases—from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, and subsequently from there to the Apharwat Peak—offering breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains.
The Gondola is one of Jammu and Kashmir's most popular tourist attractions, particularly during the summer and winter tourist seasons. However, following Monday's incident, concerns regarding the maintenance of the ropeway and the safety of passengers have once again come to the fore.