J&K govt constitutes high-level committee to probe Gulmarg gondola malfunction

Srinagar, June 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the technical malfunction that halted operations of the Gulmarg Gondola on May 25, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded and triggering a major rescue operation.

According to Government Order No. 1065-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated June 10, the committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances that led to the incident and examining all technical, operational and administrative aspects associated with the malfunction.

The committee will be headed by Mahmood Ahmad Shah, JKAS, Managing Director, JKPDC, and includes Vikas Gupta, JKAS, Director Tourism Jammu; Tariq Hussain, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority; Javeed Ahmad Tantray, In-charge Superintending Engineer, Mechanical & Hospital Circle Kashmir; and Mohammad Ismail Chechi, Executive Engineer, Mechanical & Hospital Division Baramulla as members.

The panel has been directed to establish the complete sequence of events leading to the failure of the cable car system, including the circumstances preceding, during and after the incident. It will also examine operational records, fault indications, maintenance logs, inspection reports, communication systems and other relevant technical documentation.

The terms of reference empower the committee to conduct a detailed technical examination of the malfunction, including scrutiny of the mechanical, electrical, electronic, braking, communication, control and safety systems associated with the Gondola.

The committee will further assess whether any operational lapse, negligence, procedural deficiency, communication gap, supervisory failure, human error or administrative shortcoming contributed to the incident. It has also been asked to evaluate compliance with statutory provisions, safety regulations, manufacturer guidelines and maintenance protocols.

The government has mandated the panel to review the effectiveness of emergency response measures undertaken during and after the incident, including evacuation procedures, passenger safety mechanisms and coordination among various agencies.

Significantly, the committee has been authorized to identify responsibility, wherever warranted, for any act of omission, commission, negligence or procedural violation by individuals, contractors, agencies or authorities connected with the operation and maintenance of the Gondola system.

The panel will also recommend immediate corrective measures as well as long-term technical, operational and safety reforms to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.

The committee has been directed to submit its report, along with findings and recommendations, to the Tourism Department within 10 days from the date of issuance of the order.

The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Kashmir, has remained closed since the May 25 technical snag, with authorities stating that operations will resume only after all safety concerns are addressed and necessary clearances obtained.