Gulmarg Gondola Ride Reopened After Technical Snag, Says J&K CM Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, announced the reopening of the popular gondola ride in Gulmarg on Thursday. The ride had been halted on May 25 due to a technical issue that left over 300 tourists stranded for nearly seven hours.

Renowned as one of the highest ropeways in the world, the Gulmarg gondola has become a significant attraction for both local and international visitors. Abdullah mentioned that the operations resumed following a visit from the manufacturer, a French engineering firm, which confirmed that the necessary repairs were satisfactory.

“We had concerns that the closure of the gondola would lead to a deserted scene in Gulmarg,” the Chief Minister stated. “However, tourists continued to arrive, and overall tourism activities remained largely unaffected during this period. With the gondola services now back in operation, we anticipate an increase in tourist numbers.”

This reopening is expected to boost the local economy further, which relies heavily on tourism, especially during the summer months when attractions like the gondola draw visitors seeking adventure and scenic views. The gondola ride offers breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped mountains and lush valleys, positioning Gulmarg as a premier destination for adventure sports and leisure.

As the summer season approaches, the resumption of these services is a welcome news for stakeholders in the tourism sector, ensuring that visitors can once again enjoy the unique experience that the Gulmarg gondola offers.