J-K: Indian Army leads rescue ops as 65 Gulmarg Gondola cabins stranded, 80 tourists evacuated
Gulmarg, May 25
The Indian Army, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force and local administration, launched a swift rescue operation at Gulmarg on Monday after a technical fault left multiple cabins of the Gondola cable car stranded mid-air with tourists onboard.
Around 80 passengers from 16 cabins have been safely evacuated, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining stranded tourists as authorities confirm that all cabins are intact and the situation is under control.
In a post on X, the Indian Army wrote, "Large Scale Rescue Operations at Gulmarg Gandola by Trained Teams in Progress. Swift and coordinated rescue efforts by Chinar Corps, Indian Army, and Gulmarg Gandola operators are underway after ropeway cabins got stranded mid-air. 65 cabins were stranded, and till now, 80 passengers from 16 cabins have been safely rescued. Rescue operations for the remaining cabins are in progress. Stay tuned for further updates."
Jammu and Kashmir Police also confirmed that teams from the police, SDRF, and other emergency services have been mobilised for the evacuation.
"Rescue operations are underway at the Gulmarg Gondola following a temporary disruption that stranded several tourists. Teams from the J&K Police, SDRF, and other emergency services have been mobilized to ensure their safe evacuation. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and all necessary safety measures are in place. The public is requested to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information," they wrote on X.
Further, authorities confirmed that all cabins remain intact and there is no report of any injury.
The Office of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and assured that trained rescue teams are on the ground.
"Government is closely monitoring the situation at the Gulmarg Gondola after the cable car service was temporarily halted due to a technical fault. All cabins remain intact, and rescue operations to safely evacuate stranded tourists are underway with trained teams on the ground. The situation is completely under control, and there is no cause for panic," he said.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir said that the administration is monitoring the rescue operation.
"I'm monitoring the rescue operation for tourists stranded in cable car cabins following a technical fault in Gulmarg. I have directed DGP to proceed to the site. Joint rescue team of Police, Army & SDRF & DC, SSP is conducting the operation to ensure the safety of all tourists," he wrote.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Gulmarg gondola is a major tourist attraction, but this shows we need better maintenance checks. Our emergency response is commendable though—trained teams on ground, police and army working together. Kudos to everyone involved. But let's not ignore the technical fault that caused this."
"🇮🇳 Army always there when needed! 65 cabins mid-air must have been terrifying for those tourists—imagine hanging hundreds of feet up with kids and elderly. But professionals handled it brilliantly. CM Omar Abdullah and LG's teams also on top of it. Well done!"
"Thank God no injuries yet. But this must have been a nightmare for those families stuck in the air. The rescue operations look well coordinated—Chinar Corps, Police, SDRF all together. However, I hope there's a thorough investigation into why the technical fault happened. Safety should be non-negotiable for such rides."
"Respect for our jawans and rescue teams! 80 evacuated and counting—that's efficiency in action. But why does such technical issues keep happening? Last time there was a similar incident in Manali. Time to upgrade infrastructure and regular checks. Still, proud of the response." 👍
"Gulmarg is so beautiful but this incident must have been scary for tourists. I'm glad all cabins are intact and rescue is underway. The army and local authorities deserve appreciation for their quick response. Also, good that authorities are asking people not to spread unverified info—panic doesn't help."
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