A major disaster was averted in the picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday when over 300 tourists were safely rescued after a cable car developed a technical snag mid-air. The incident occurred around 11:30 am, leaving several gondolas stranded on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world.
Swift Rescue Operation Launched
Upon receiving information about the malfunction, the local administration, along with the police and disaster management teams, launched an immediate rescue operation. The cable car, which connects Gulmarg to Kongdoori and further to Apharwat Peak, came to a halt due to a technical glitch in its electrical system. Over 300 tourists, including women and children, were trapped in the suspended cabins for nearly two hours.
Rescue Teams Work Tirelessly
Rescue teams, including personnel from the Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the cable car operator, worked tirelessly to evacuate the stranded tourists. Using backup power systems and manual intervention, the teams managed to bring down all the gondolas safely. No injuries were reported during the incident, and all tourists were evacuated by 2:30 pm.
District Magistrate of Baramulla, who oversaw the rescue operations, confirmed that the situation was handled efficiently. He stated, "We had a contingency plan in place, and our teams responded promptly. All tourists are safe and have been provided with necessary assistance."
Tourists Recount Harrowing Experience
Many tourists described the ordeal as terrifying. A tourist from Delhi, who was stranded with his family, said, "We were enjoying the scenic views when suddenly the cable car stopped. We were stuck for almost two hours. It was very scary, but the rescue team did a great job." Another tourist from Mumbai added, "The authorities were very quick in their response. We are thankful to be safe."
Technical Investigation Underway
Officials have ordered a detailed investigation into the technical snag. The cable car system, which was installed by a French company, has been temporarily shut down for maintenance and safety checks. The Gulmarg Gondola is a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually for skiing and sightseeing.
This incident highlights the need for regular maintenance and robust safety protocols for such high-altitude cable car systems. The tourism department has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
