Reflects swiftness, professionalism, courage: Rajnath Singh praises disaster response agencies for Gulmarg rescue Op
New Delhi, May 26
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday lauded the coordinated operation carried out to rescue hundreds of tourists who were stranded mid-air following a technical breakdown in the Gulmarg Gondola service in Jammu and Kashmir.
Singh praised the swift response of multiple agencies involved in safely evacuating nearly 300 tourists trapped inside suspended cable cars over the mountainous terrain of Gulmarg.
Posting on X, the Defence Minister said, "The successful rescue of more than 300 tourists stranded in cable cars in Gulmarg reflects the swiftness, professionalism, courage, and coordination of our disaster response agencies. A joint rescue team comprising the Indian Army, J&K Police, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration carried out the challenging operation with efficiency and resolve. The nation acknowledges and applauses the dedication and service of all personnel involved in this rescue operation."
A scenic cable car ride over the snow-covered peaks of J&K's Gulmarg turned into a terrifying ordeal for tourists after the famed Gulmarg Gondola service suffered a sudden technical breakdown, leaving visitors stranded mid-air for several hours.
Soon after the malfunction was reported, authorities launched a massive multi-agency rescue operation involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), paramilitary personnel and Civil Defence teams.
Rescue teams worked in difficult mountainous conditions to evacuate tourists trapped inside multiple chair cars suspended high above the valley.
Officials said the technical snag occurred around 1 pm and disrupted operations in the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola service, one of the most popular tourist attractions in north Kashmir.
The first phase of the Gondola connects the Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori, while the second phase extends further up to Apharwat Peak at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan region.
Authorities later confirmed that all stranded tourists were safely evacuated and that no injuries were reported during the rescue operation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This rescue was a lifeline for those families! Yet, I'm curious—why did the Gondola break down? Is there regular maintenance? We should ensure such incidents are minimized, as tourism is vital for J&K's economy. Great work by the teams though! 👏
Brilliant coordination! This reminds me of how our agencies step up during crises. The terrain there is no joke—those mountains are ruthless. Proud of every rescuer who risked their own safety. Kudos to Rajnath Singh ji for acknowledging their efforts! 💪
Imagine being stuck mid-air for hours! 😰 So glad everyone was evacuated safely. This shows the professionalism of India's disaster teams. But I hope the authorities investigate the technical issue thoroughly—prevention is better than rescue. Great job overall!
As someone who's visited Gulmarg, the gondola ride is breathtaking. This rescue operation was nothing short of heroic. The joint effort by Army, NDRF, and local police is commendable. Safety standards should be audited regularly, but today, let's celebrate the rescuers! 🎉
This is what real service looks like—no politics, no drama, just action. The rescue teams worked in freezing conditions and still managed to save everyone. Respect to the Indian Army and all agencies. We should also thank the tourists for staying calm during this ordeal. 🙏
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