Hundreds Rescued After Gulmarg Cable Car Stalled by Technical Glitch
Hundreds of tourists were safely rescued after a technical malfunction caused the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service to halt mid-air in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The extensive rescue operation, involving multiple agencies, successfully evacuated all stranded passengers without any reported injuries.
Key Highlights
- Hundreds of tourists were stranded mid-air.
- A technical fault caused the Gulmarg Gondola to stop.
- Multi-agency rescue operations were launched swiftly.
- All stranded tourists were safely evacuated.
- No casualties or injuries were reported during the incident.
- Restoration work on the cable car system is underway.
Hundreds of tourists were safely rescued after a significant technical snag caused a temporary halt in the operations of the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, May 25, 2026. The incident, which led to dozens of cabins being suspended mid-air, triggered a large-scale, multi-agency rescue operation that spanned several hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that panic briefly gripped some of the stranded passengers, including families with children and elderly tourists, as the cable cars stopped unexpectedly at high altitudes. However, rescue teams comprising personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police were swiftly mobilized. These coordinated efforts, often hampered by inclement weather conditions including rain and strong winds, worked diligently to evacuate all individuals from the stranded cabins. Officials confirmed that all cabins remained intact throughout the operation and, crucially, no casualties or injuries were reported among the rescued tourists.
The Gulmarg Gondola, renowned as one of the world's highest and longest cable car systems, operates in two phases, transporting tourists to significant altitudes for panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and access to skiing slopes. The service is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists visiting the Gulmarg region. This incident, while causing temporary distress, highlights the efficiency of the emergency response mechanisms in place for such high-altitude tourist infrastructure.
According to reports, approximately 300 tourists were stranded across 65 cabins when the technical fault occurred around noon. Rescue operations commenced immediately and continued for over seven hours, involving specialized high-altitude rope systems and evacuation equipment. The smooth execution of the rescue was a testament to the preparedness and collaboration of the various agencies involved. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah closely monitored the situation, directing officials to ensure the utmost safety and swift evacuation of all passengers.
While the exact cause of the technical snag is under investigation, this incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with complex cable car operations, especially in challenging mountain environments. Previous incidents, including a tragic accident in 2017 where seven people lost their lives due to a fallen tree, underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance. Restoration work on the Gulmarg Gondola system is currently underway, with authorities aiming to resume normal operations as soon as it is deemed safe. The successful rescue operation has been lauded by officials and the public alike, emphasizing the commitment to tourist safety in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Gulmarg Gondola to stop?
The Gulmarg Gondola stopped due to a technical snag or malfunction in its system. The exact cause is under investigation.
How many tourists were stranded?
Reports indicate that approximately 300 tourists were stranded mid-air in dozens of cabins when the cable car service malfunctioned.
Were there any injuries or casualties?
No, thankfully, all stranded tourists were safely evacuated, and no injuries or casualties were reported during the incident.
Who carried out the rescue operations?
A massive, multi-agency rescue operation was conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
When did this incident take place?
The incident occurred on Monday, May 25, 2026.