A major scare unfolded in the famous tourist destination of Gulmarg on Monday after hundreds of tourists were left stranded mid-air when the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service developed a sudden technical fault.
The incident led to panic at the popular hill resort as several cable car cabins stopped functioning while they were still suspended high above the ground with tourists inside.
Following the breakdown, operations of both phases of the Gondola service were immediately suspended by the authorities.
A large-scale rescue operation was launched soon after, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and other specialised units rushing to the site. Additional support teams, including SF Special CI teams and HAWAS personnel, also joined the operation.
Rescue teams worked to carefully evacuate tourists one by one from the stranded cabins, ensuring their safe return to the ground. Officials later confirmed that all tourists trapped in the cable cars were successfully rescued without any major injuries.
According to initial information, the technical fault may have been linked to overloading, though authorities have not confirmed this and have ordered a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the situation was being closely monitored by the government. He assured that all cabins remained intact and that trained teams were carrying out rescue operations on the ground.
He further added that there was no cause for panic as the situation was fully under control.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the situation and said he was personally monitoring the rescue efforts. He directed senior police officials to reach the site immediately and ensure the safety of all tourists.
Authorities have now begun restoration work on the cable car system, while the investigation into the technical failure is underway.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable car projects in the world, attracts thousands of tourists every year and is a major attraction in the region.