Srinagar Jun 25 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday flagged off the resumption of the Gulmarg Gondola services, nearly a month after operations were suspended following heavy rainfall and a technical fault.
The cable car service, one of Kashmir’s major tourist attractions, had remained suspended since May 25 after adverse weather conditions and a technical snag in the first phase of the gondola system led to the stranding of over 300 tourists in 65 cabins.
Following the reopening, tourists began availing the service, bringing relief to visitors and stakeholders associated with the tourism sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah expressed hope that the Gondola would continue to attract tourists from across the country and abroad.
A large-scale rescue operation involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched after the May 25 incident. All stranded tourists were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported.
Officials said all mandatory safety inspections, technical checks and trial runs were completed successfully before the restoration of services.
The Gulmarg Gondola, regarded as one of the highest cable car projects in the world, is a major draw for tourists visiting the famous ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and plays a significant role in the region’s tourism industry.(NVI)
