Gulmarg Gondola to remain closed until further notice; safety checks still underway

Srinagar, June 10: The Gulmarg Gondola will remain closed to tourists until further notice, more than two weeks after a major technical malfunction disrupted operations and left hundreds of visitors stranded in suspended cabins, officials said today.

In a fresh communication, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) said the Gondola service would remain suspended as comprehensive maintenance work, technical inspections and safety assessments continue.

“The inconvenience caused is regretted,” the corporation said in an official statement.

One of Kashmir’s most popular tourist attractions, the Gulmarg Gondola has remained non-operational since May 25, when a technical snag brought services to a halt, leaving more than 300 tourists stranded in mid-air for several hours before they were safely evacuated in a large-scale rescue operation.

Following the incident, the JKCCC launched an extensive review of the cable car system, including detailed technical inspections, safety audits and operational assessments to identify and rectify any issues.

Engineers and technical experts have since been working on the system to ensure that all safety parameters are fully met before services are resumed.

The latest announcement comes days after authorities had indicated that the Gondola would remain closed until June 8. However, with maintenance and safety verification work still in progress, officials have not specified a fresh timeline for reopening.

Authorities said the Gondola will be reopened to the public only after all technical concerns are addressed and the required safety clearances are obtained.

The Gulmarg Gondola, among the highest cable car systems in the world, attracts thousands of tourists annually and serves as a major draw for visitors to the renowned ski resort in north Kashmir.