Gulmarg Gondola Strands 300 Tourists After Technical Glitch; All Rescued Safely
Hundreds of tourists were stranded mid-air on Monday after a technical snag disrupted the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service in Jammu and Kashmir. A massive multi-agency rescue operation successfully evacuated all approximately 300 passengers from 65 stranded cabins without any reported injuries. The incident has led to a temporary suspension of the Gondola service pending a thorough technical inspection and safety review.
Key Highlights
- Over 300 tourists were stranded mid-air in Gulmarg's cable car.
- A technical snag caused the Gulmarg Gondola to halt operations.
- Multiple agencies, including the Army and SDRF, conducted a rescue.
- All stranded tourists were safely evacuated without injuries.
- Gondola services are temporarily suspended for technical checks.
- Inclement weather conditions were reported during the incident.
On Monday, May 25, 2026, a significant technical malfunction brought the renowned Gulmarg Gondola cable car service in Jammu and Kashmir to a halt, leaving approximately 300 tourists stranded mid-air across 65 cabins. The incident, which occurred around 1:20 PM, triggered a large-scale, multi-agency rescue operation that lasted for several hours. Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other local administration teams were swiftly mobilized to the site to ensure the safe evacuation of all passengers..
Panic, exacerbated by inclement weather conditions including strong winds and rain, gripped the stranded tourists, many of whom were families with children and elderly individuals.. Officials, however, worked to maintain calm, assuring that the situation was under control and all cabins remained structurally intact.. The rescue operation, described as complex due to the high-altitude terrain and steep slopes, involved specialized high-altitude rope systems and evacuation equipment..
Reports indicate that the rescue efforts concluded successfully with all 300 tourists brought down safely, with no casualties or injuries reported.. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of Asia's highest and longest cable car projects, connects the Gulmarg resort to Apharwat Peak, offering breathtaking views and serving as a major tourist attraction..
Following the incident, the Gulmarg Gondola's operations have been temporarily suspended.. Technical experts are currently conducting a thorough inspection to determine the exact cause of the malfunction and to ensure the system's safety before resuming operations.. Both phases of the Gondola were affected by the shutdown..
This is not the first time the Gulmarg Gondola has faced operational issues. In January of the previous year, the service was also temporarily suspended due to technical problems.. More tragically, on June 25, 2017, seven people lost their lives when a tree uprooted by strong winds struck a cabin, causing it to fall.. This incident led to a high-level inquiry and prompted discussions about safety protocols..
The Gulmarg Gondola, a joint venture between the Jammu and Kashmir government and the French company Poma, began operations in 1998, with the second phase completed in 2005.. It is a significant contributor to Kashmir's tourism economy, attracting a large number of visitors annually and generating substantial revenue.. The incident has once again underscored the importance of robust safety measures and rapid emergency response at high-altitude tourist destinations..
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Gulmarg Gondola to stop?
A technical snag or malfunction in the cable car system caused the Gulmarg Gondola to stop, leaving tourists stranded mid-air.
How many tourists were stranded?
Approximately 300 tourists were stranded mid-air in the Gulmarg Gondola cabins when the technical fault occurred.
Were there any injuries during the Gulmarg Gondola incident?
No, all tourists were safely rescued and there were no reported injuries during the incident.
Is the Gulmarg Gondola operational now?
No, the Gulmarg Gondola services have been temporarily suspended following the technical snag. Services will resume after a thorough technical inspection and safety review.
Has the Gulmarg Gondola had safety issues before?
Yes, the Gulmarg Gondola has experienced technical issues in the past, leading to temporary suspensions. In 2017, a tragic accident occurred where seven people died after a tree fell on the cable car.