SRINAGAR — Hundreds of tourists faced intense miair panic on Monday afternoon after a major technical malfunction hit a popular mountain resort, forcing authorities to completely suspend operations on the famous Gulmarg cable car service. The unexpected breakdown took place during peak holiday hours in Jammu and Kashmir, causing the entire ropeway system to grind to a sudden halt. As a result, dozens of passenger cabins were left dangling helplessly high above the steep, forested slopes.
Mid-Air Panic for Holidaymakers
The sudden mechanical breakdown happened simultaneously on both phases of the busy transit line, cutting off the route that connects the base station to the high-altitude Apharwat Peak. Initially, visitors were simply enjoying the panoramic Himalayan views, but the mood changed instantly when the cabins stopped moving altogether. Consequently, anxiety quickly spread among the trapped passengers, especially since many families with young children were stuck inside the swaying structures. Meanwhile, large crowds gathered at the base stations below, watching the unfolding drama with deep concern. Because the Gulmarg cable car is famous for being one of the highest ropeways in Asia, any technical snag at this altitude poses immediate challenges for engineering teams. Furthermore, the rugged mountain terrain below made direct physical access to the stranded towers incredibly difficult for local workers.
A Massive Rescue Effort Begins
Fortunately, local authorities reacted with extreme urgency and quickly mobilized a massive, coordinated emergency response to handle the crisis. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the scene alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to launch a vertical rescue mission. Additionally, local police and army units arrived to secure the area while senior administrative officials came to oversee the operation personally. Because of the steep drop-offs beneath the line, rescuers had to use specialized ropes and safety harnesses to reach the victims. They systematically approached the stranded cabins one by one and slowly lowered the frightened tourists down to safety. Medical teams also stood by on the ground to provide immediate health checks, and happily, officials later confirmed that nobody was hurt during the entire evacuation process.
Government Orders Structural Audit
Following the successful rescue, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the public on social media to defuse growing anxiety. He stated that the government tracked the situation closely and assured everyone that all passengers were handled safely by trained teams. Similarly, the Lieutenant Governor monitored the site continuously until the last person was brought down. Currently, engineering teams are inspecting the machinery because they believe an automated safety switch may have tripped the system. Nevertheless, a full investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the failure.
Impact on Regional Tourism
The Gulmarg cable car is widely recognized as the economic backbone of local tourism, carrying thousands of holidaymakers every single week. However, both phases of the attraction will remain strictly closed to the general public for the time being. Management wants to complete a thorough safety audit and comprehensive repairs before reopening the line to travelers. This cautious measure will ensure that such an alarming breakdown does not happen again in the future.
