Approximately 300 tourists traveling in 65 cabins of the Gulmarg Gondola were left suspended mid-air on Monday after Asia's highest ropeway encountered technical difficulties. All stranded individuals were later evacuated safely following a challenging seven-hour rescue operation, according to officials. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Rescue Operation Details
The rescue mission commenced shortly after the system malfunctioned around noon. Multiple agencies, including the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), collaborated in the effort. Officials noted that evacuation from certain cabins took longer as they were suspended nearly 500 feet above the ground. Heavy rainfall further complicated the operation.
Techniques Used
Trained rescue teams employed ropes and ladders to safely bring tourists down from the stranded cabins. The operation required meticulous planning and execution due to the height and adverse weather conditions.
Suspension of Services
Following the malfunction, operations for both phases of the Gulmarg cable car service were suspended. Restoration work on the ropeway system is currently underway, officials added.
