Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Tuesday that 300 tourists stranded in a cable car in Gulmarg were successfully evacuated in a swift joint operation. The incident occurred on Monday when a technical glitch halted the Gulmarg Gondola service at the north Kashmir tourist resort.
Rescue Operation Details
In a post on X, Singh stated, "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 operation was launched immediately after the glitch was reported.
Technical Glitch and Response
The technical disruption took place around 1 pm on Monday, as informed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Hussain Naik. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir promptly initiated rescue operations in response to the crisis.
Gondola Service Details
The Gulmarg Gondola operates in two phases. The first phase runs from Gulmarg to Kongdoori at an elevation of about 2,600 metres, while the second phase stretches from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak, reaching an altitude of nearly 3,979 metres. Both phases were suspended following the incident, according to Tariq.
The evacuation was completed without any casualties, highlighting the coordination among various agencies. The cause of the technical glitch is under investigation, and efforts are underway to restore the gondola service.
