Gulmarg

Normal operations resumed at the Gulmarg Gondola on Tuesday, a day after a technical fault temporarily disrupted services and left several cable car cabins suspended mid-air with tourists inside, triggering a major rescue mission.

The rescue operation was completed successfully, with all stranded tourists evacuated safely. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, 286 people were rescued during the operation.

Tourists visiting Gulmarg appreciated the prompt response of rescue personnel, local residents and security forces.

Speaking to ANI, a tourist identified as Sourav said visitors felt secure in the region due to the presence of security personnel and the support extended by locals.

“We feel very safe here. Security personnel are always deployed, and the local people are extremely helpful. They climbed up, rescued everyone, supported them and safely brought them back. Nobody faced any major difficulty. The most important thing is that everyone was rescued safely,” he said.

Encouraging more tourists to visit Gulmarg, he added, “People should come here without worry. There is no need to feel afraid. One can move around freely even late at night.”

Another tourist, Vineet Bikal from Mumbai, who was visiting Gulmarg with his family, said they had witnessed the rescue efforts firsthand.

“We have been in Gulmarg for the last two days and our experience has been very good so far. The weather is pleasant — neither too cold nor too hot,” he said.

Recalling the incident, Bikal said his family narrowly missed getting stranded.

“Yesterday, we visited both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Just before our turn at Phase 1, the technical issue occurred and we had to walk back down. The guides and rescue teams helped us and our children descend safely without charging anything,” he said.

He also praised local residents for assisting stranded passengers and supporting the rescue teams.

“We saw locals helping people trapped in the Gondola and even assisting army personnel. It was frightening at that moment, but overall the experience turned out positive,” he added.

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Expressing gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue operation, Bikal said, “The operation continued till late evening and night. Everyone was rescued successfully and no one suffered any serious health issue. We are thankful to the locals, police and the Indian Army.”