Gulmarg, June 24 (KNS): In a major relief for tourism stakeholders and visitors alike, the iconic Gulmarg Gondola — one of the most sought-after attractions in the Kashmir Valley — is all set to resume its services from tomorrow, after remaining suspended for nearly a month due to a technical glitch.

 

Official sources in the Cable Car Corporation confirmed to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the Gondola services were halted on May 25 after a technical snag led to over 300 tourists being stranded mid-air in various cabins. The incident had triggered a massive rescue operation, with teams from the Gondola's technical wing, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working in tandem for several hours to safely evacuate all stranded passengers.

 

The month-long suspension had dealt a severe blow to the local economy, leaving hundreds of families dependent on the tourism sector in a lurch. Guides, photographers, ponywalas, tour operators, and hoteliers had been hit hard, with business coming to a near standstill in the ski resort town.

 

However, sources said that the technical teams of the Cable Car Corporation have been working round the clock over the past several weeks to rectify the fault and address all operational issues.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"Trial runs conducted over the last two days were successful, and all technical parameters have been thoroughly assessed. The system is now fully ready for passenger operations," a source told KNS.

 

With the successful completion of trials and clearance from the technical authorities, the Gondora is expected to resume its services from tomorrow morning, bringing a wave of cheer among the local business community. Stakeholders have welcomed the decision, expressing hope that the reopening would revive tourist footfall and help restore the livelihoods of those affected during the closure.

 

Pertinently, the rescue operation on May 25 had witnessed senior officials, including Managing Director of the Cable Car Corporation, Syed Qamar Sajad, personally supervising the evacuation efforts on the ground. The swift and coordinated response by the rescue teams, police, and SDRF personnel had been widely appreciated for ensuring the safe evacuation of all stranded tourists without any casualty.

 

The resumption of the Gondola services is expected to give a much-needed boost to the tourism sector in Gulmarg, which is witnessing a gradual influx of domestic and international visitors with the onset of the summer season. (KNS)