Kashmir: Massive Rescue Operation After Technical Glitch Stops Gulmarg Gondola Mid-Air

Srinagar, 25th May 2026: Hundreds of tourists were left stranded on Monday after a technical fault halted operations of the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest and Asia’s longest cable car systems, in Jammu and Kashmir’s popular tourist destination of Gulmarg. The incident triggered a massive rescue operation involving the Army, police, disaster response teams and local administration, all of whom worked together to safely evacuate every passenger without any reported injuries.

According to officials, the malfunction occurred on the second phase of the gondola route, which connects Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak and carries visitors to altitudes between 2,650 and 3,050 metres above sea level. Following the technical snag, several cabins were left suspended, stranding tourists, including families, women and children, in the mountainous terrain.

Rescue teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army’s 9 Rajputana Rifles, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Gulmarg Development Authority and local civil administration were quickly mobilised. Given the difficult terrain and high altitude, trained personnel used ropes and guided stranded passengers down steep rocky slopes to safety.

Visuals from the rescue operation showed officials carefully assisting tourists as they descended from the mountainside. Despite the challenging conditions, the evacuation was carried out in a coordinated manner and concluded without any casualties or injuries.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was personally monitoring the situation and remained in constant touch with local authorities overseeing the operation. He assured the public that all available resources had been deployed to ensure the safety of tourists and that there was no immediate threat to those stranded in the cabins.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the rescue efforts and praised the swift response of the agencies involved. Officials said the coordinated action by multiple departments helped prevent panic and ensured the evacuation was completed efficiently.

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of Kashmir’s biggest tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every year. Stretching across two phases, the cable car system offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and serves as a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

Following the incident, technical teams began inspecting the system to identify the cause of the malfunction and restore services. Authorities have not yet released details about what triggered the fault, but officials said a thorough examination of the gondola’s infrastructure is underway before operations resume.

Large Scale Rescue Operations at Gulmarg Gandola by Trained Teams in Progress.

Swift and coordinated rescue efforts by #ChinarCorps, #IndianArmy and #Gulmarg Gandola operators are underway after ropeway cabins got stranded mid-air.

65 cabins were stranded and till now 80… pic.twitter.com/uPhCzYkiq6

— NORTHERN COMMAND – INDIAN ARMY (@NorthernComd_IA) May 25, 2026

The successful rescue operation has been widely praised, with authorities highlighting the role of emergency responders who worked in difficult mountain conditions to ensure that every stranded tourist was brought down safely.