NIA Gives Security Clearance for Pahalgam Cable Car Project

SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has granted security clearance to the long-awaited cable car project in Baisaran, Pahalgam, a move expected to revitalise tourism and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir after the terror attack in April 2025.

The Jammu and Kashmir government confirmed on Sunday that the NIA has formally conveyed its “no objection” to resuming work on the Rs 120 crore project, which will link Yatri Niwas in Pahalgam to the picturesque Baisaran meadow—a region that had been closed since the attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

According to NIA officials cited by the Economic Times, the agency was approached by the Union Territory administration for its views before ground surveys and construction could restart. “We were asked about our views regarding the cable car project, and we conveyed that we do not have any objection from the investigation angle,” an NIA spokesperson said, with the Tourism Department reiterating that planning and consultancy stages are complete and that site studies will proceed immediately.

The Pahalgam cable car, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), will span 1.4 kilometres and require nearly nine hectares of forest land, with work expected to be completed within 18 months of resumption. JKCCC has already allotted the consultancy contract but had remained on hold due to security concerns since the April terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based groups.

Local leaders and tourism industry representatives welcomed the announcement, hoping the project would boost visitor confidence and generate employment. Assembly discussions indicate that further environmental and technical approvals are needed, but the NIA’s green light marks a major step toward restarting the initiative.