JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Panic ensued late Monday evening at Gulmarg—the world-renowned tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir—when a sudden technical glitch caused the Gondola service to halt mid-way, leaving 184 tourists stranded in the air across several trolleys. Following the incident, teams from the administration, police, army, and SDRF immediately swung into action; after a massive rescue operation spanning nearly nine hours, all tourists were safely evacuated. A matter of relief was that no tourist sustained any serious injuries during the ordeal.
According to eyewitnesses, the weather was normal in the evening, and a large number of tourists were riding the Gondola to enjoy the scenic beauty of Gulmarg. Suddenly, a technical malfunction occurred within the system, causing several cabins to come to a standstill mid-air. An atmosphere of fear and panic gripped the tourists stranded at such heights. The presence of small children and elderly individuals in many of the trolleys further heightened the sensitivity of the situation.
Upon receiving news of the incident, teams from the district administration, police, and army rushed to the scene. The SDRF and technical experts were also mobilized to assist in the rescue operation. Utilizing modern equipment, ropes, and specialized safety techniques, the personnel safely lowered each tourist down, one by one. Throughout this night-long operation, officials maintained a constant vigil over the unfolding situation.
According to sources, the Chief Minister’s Office and Police Headquarters also continuously monitored the entire sequence of events. Senior administrative and police officials maintained constant contact with the teams on the ground to ensure that the rescue operation proceeded without any hindrance.
According to officials, preliminary investigations suggest that a technical malfunction was the likely cause. A team of experts is now conducting a detailed examination of the entire Gondola system to ascertain the precise reasons behind the failure. As a precautionary measure, the Gondola service has been temporarily suspended for the time being. This incident also revived memories of the tragic accident in 2017, when a major mishap involving the Gulmarg Gondola—caused by strong winds and technical glitches—claimed the lives of seven people. However, this time, a timely rescue operation averted a major disaster.
In the aftermath of the incident, tourists and locals alike profusely praised the bravery and promptness of the Army, Police, and SDRF personnel. The administration has stated that the safety of tourists remains its top priority and that security protocols and technical surveillance will be further strengthened to prevent such incidents in the future.
