Hundreds Rescued After Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car Suffers Technical Glitch
Hundreds of tourists were safely rescued after a major technical snag caused the Gulmarg Gondola cable car system to halt mid-air on Monday. The extensive, hours-long multi-agency operation involved the Indian Army, police, and disaster response forces, ensuring no casualties were reported.
Key Highlights
- Over 300 tourists stranded mid-air due to technical fault.
- Extensive rescue operation by Army, police, and SDRF.
- No casualties or injuries reported in the incident.
- Gondola service suspended; investigation into the cause underway.
- Gulmarg's iconic cable car system is a major tourist attraction.
A significant technical malfunction in the Gulmarg Gondola cable car system on Monday, May 25, 2026, led to the stranding of approximately 300 tourists in mid-air. The incident, which occurred around midday, prompted an immediate and large-scale multi-agency rescue operation involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local civil administration.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world's highest operating cable car systems, comprises two phases, with the incident affecting numerous cabins across both sections. Reports indicate that around 65 cabins were immobilized due to the technical fault. The sudden stoppage caused panic among passengers, including families with children and elderly tourists, who were trapped at considerable heights.
The rescue operation, described as arduous and challenging due to the difficult terrain and, in some reports, inclement weather, lasted for several hours, extending into the evening. Trained personnel employed specialized high-altitude rescue techniques, including the use of ropes and ladders, to safely evacuate passengers from the suspended cabins. The Indian Army played a pivotal role, leveraging its expertise in high-altitude operations.
Officials confirmed that all stranded tourists were safely rescued without any reported casualties or injuries. The operation concluded successfully, with rescued passengers being provided with necessary support and refreshments.
Authorities, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, closely monitored the situation. They assured the public that the situation was under control and urged people to avoid panic. The cause of the technical snag is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting a possible gearbox failure. Technical experts are conducting thorough inspections of the Gondola system before normal operations can resume. The Gulmarg Gondola is a significant tourist attraction and a vital part of the region's tourism economy, drawing thousands of visitors annually. The incident has once again highlighted the importance of stringent safety protocols and robust emergency response mechanisms for high-altitude tourism infrastructure.
The Gulmarg Gondola, originally a joint venture between the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski, began operations in phases, with the first stage completed in 1998 and the second in 2005. It is renowned as the second longest and second highest cable car in the world. Each phase connects Gulmarg to Kongdoori and then to Apharwat Peak, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
This incident is not the first time the Gondola has faced operational issues. In June 2017, a tragic accident occurred when a tree fell on a cabin, resulting in seven fatalities. Additionally, the cable car has experienced temporary suspensions due to technical issues in the past, including in January of the previous year.
The successful rescue operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response in critical situations, reaffirming the capabilities of the various agencies involved in ensuring public safety in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Gulmarg Gondola?
A technical snag caused the Gulmarg Gondola cable car system to halt, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded mid-air on May 25, 2026. A large-scale rescue operation was subsequently launched.
How many tourists were stranded and rescued?
Approximately 300 tourists were stranded in about 65 cable car cabins. All of them were safely rescued after a multi-hour operation.
Were there any casualties or injuries?
No casualties or injuries were reported during the incident or the subsequent rescue operation.
Who conducted the rescue operation?
The rescue was a coordinated effort involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, SDRF, NDRF, and local civil administration.
What is the Gulmarg Gondola?
The Gulmarg Gondola is a cable car system in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, known for being one of the highest in the world. It operates in two phases and is a major tourist attraction.