300 Tourists Rescued Mid-Air After Gulmarg Ropeway Develops Fault, Response Forces Rush In

Around 300 tourists were safely rescued on Monday after a major technical snag disrupted operations of the Gulmarg Gondola cable car system , leaving passengers stranded mid-air at the popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The incident occurred when the cable car service reportedly came to a sudden halt due to a technical fault , forcing an immediate suspension of operations in both phases of the Gondola system , one of Asia’s highest and most visited ropeways.

As cabins remained suspended over steep terrain, several tourists, including families and children, were left stranded for a brief period. Eyewitness accounts and officials confirmed that some passengers experienced panic and anxiety before rescue teams reached them.

A large-scale evacuation was launched involving multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army personnel, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) based in Gulmarg. Rescue teams used coordinated rope-based evacuation techniques to bring passengers down safely.

Officials said the entire operation was carried out under close supervision of senior district administration officers, with the Deputy Commissioner and SSP Baramulla also monitoring efforts on the ground. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s offices were informed, with the government stating that it was closely monitoring the situation and directing swift action.

Authorities confirmed that all stranded tourists were rescued without injuries , and no casualties were reported. The Gondola service was kept shut as a precaution while technical experts inspected the system to identify the cause of the malfunction.

Restoration and safety checks are currently underway, and officials said services will resume only after complete clearance from engineering and safety teams. The incident briefly caused concern in the busy tourist hub, though authorities maintained that the situation remained under control throughout the operation.