J&K Panic: 300 Tourists Trapped Mid-Air After Gulmarg Ropeway Malfunction

A major scare unfolded in Gulmarg after a technical malfunction halted the famous Gulmarg Gondola ropeway, leaving nearly 300 tourists stranded mid-air inside suspended cabins. The incident triggered panic among visitors as several cable cars suddenly stopped during operations, forcing passengers to remain trapped high above the ground. According to officials, the fault reportedly occurred in Phase One of the Gulmarg Gondola route connecting Gulmarg to Khilanmarg. As the ropeway abruptly came to a standstill, tourists inside the cabins began shouting for help while rescue teams rushed to the site. Dramatic visuals from the spot showed rescue personnel opening cabin doors and evacuating stranded passengers one by one. Emergency rescue operations were immediately launched involving the police, local administration, SDRF teams, and ropeway quick response units. Authorities said difficult weather conditions, including continuous rain and poor visibility in the Kashmir Valley, complicated rescue efforts. Rescue personnel reportedly had to climb manually to individual cabins using ladders and safety gear to bring tourists down safely. Officials stated that most of the stranded passengers were evacuated after hours of coordinated rescue efforts. No casualties or serious injuries have been reported so far, bringing major relief amid fears of a large-scale disaster. Jammu and Kashmir authorities, including senior police officials, are closely monitoring the situation. The Gulmarg Gondola is among the world’s highest and most popular cable car attractions, drawing thousands of tourists every season. The incident has now raised serious concerns regarding maintenance, technical safety checks, and emergency preparedness at one of Kashmir’s biggest tourist destinations. An investigation is expected to determine the exact cause of the malfunction and whether any negligence was involved.

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