Jammu and Kashmir: Gulmarg Gondola shut for 2 days after 300 tourists rescued from midair ordeal

A massive seven-hour rescue operation was carried out under challenging weather conditions to safely evacuate all stranded tourists.

The incident occurred after a critical gearbox failure abruptly halted Asia’s highest ropeway, leaving 65 cabins suspended between the base station and Phase 1, with some dangling nearly 500 feet above the ground, Hindustan Times reported.

Although a spare gearbox was available, officials said replacing it would take at least a day, forcing authorities to launch a vertical rescue operation.

A joint rescue team comprising the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police worked tirelessly for seven hours to bring the stranded tourists and holidaymakers to safety.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said an inquiry would be conducted into the incident.

In a post on X, he appreciated the efforts of all agencies, rescue teams, and personnel involved in the successful evacuation of tourists stranded after the Gulmarg Gondola developed a technical fault.

The Chief Minister commended the swift response, coordination, and professionalism displayed during the rescue operation, which ensured the safe evacuation of all passengers.

He further stated that the incident would be thoroughly examined, with responsibility for any lapses fixed and appropriate action taken.

The Gondola service will remain suspended on May 26 and May 27 for “technical maintenance.”

“All tickets booked for May 25, 26 and 27 shall be refunded in full,” the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation said in a post on X.

" All the tickets booked for 25th , 26th and 27th May shall be refunded in full," JK Cable Car Corporation  wrote on X.