Gulmarg Gondola rescue: Rajnath Singh hails Army, NDRF for saving 300+ tourists
Synopsis
A routine cable car ride in Gulmarg became a multi-agency emergency on 26 May when the Gondola's first phase failed, leaving more than 300 tourists suspended over the Himalayan valley. The joint response by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police, and Civil Defence — praised publicly by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh — is being cited as a textbook example of coordinated disaster response at high altitude.
Key Takeaways
The Gulmarg Gondola suffered a technical breakdown at approximately 1 pm on 26 May 2025 , stranding tourists mid-air.
More than 300 tourists were safely evacuated; no injuries were reported.
A joint team comprising the Indian Army , J&K Police , NDRF , SDRF , and Civil Defence carried out the rescue.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh publicly praised the operation on X , calling it a reflection of 'swiftness, professionalism, courage, and coordination.' The breakdown affected the first phase of the Gondola — the Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori stretch.
The cause of the technical failure and a timeline for service resumption have not yet been disclosed by authorities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 26 May praised the multi-agency rescue operation that safely evacuated more than 300 tourists stranded mid-air after the Gulmarg Gondola service suffered a sudden technical breakdown in Jammu and Kashmir. The minister described the operation as a demonstration of the swiftness, professionalism, and coordination of India's disaster response machinery.
What Rajnath Singh Said
Posting on X, Singh wrote: 'The successful rescue of more than 300 tourists stranded in cable cars in Gulmarg reflects the swiftness, professionalism, courage, and coordination of our disaster response agencies. A joint rescue team comprising the Indian Army, J&K Police, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration carried out the challenging operation with efficiency and resolve. The nation acknowledges and applauses the dedication and service of all personnel involved in this rescue operation.'
How the Breakdown Unfolded
The technical snag struck at approximately 1 pm, disrupting operations in the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola — the stretch connecting the Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori. Tourists inside multiple chair cars were left suspended high above the snow-covered valley for several hours, turning what is typically a scenic ride into a harrowing ordeal.
The second phase of the Gondola, which extends further up to Apharwat Peak at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres, was not reported to be affected. The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most popular tourist attractions in north Kashmir and among the highest cable car systems in Asia.
The Rescue Operation
Authorities launched a large-scale multi-agency response almost immediately after the malfunction was reported. Teams from the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), paramilitary personnel, and Civil Defence units worked in difficult mountainous terrain to bring the stranded visitors to safety.
Officials confirmed that all tourists were evacuated without injury. The scale of the operation — coordinating across at least five agencies in high-altitude conditions — drew particular attention from the Defence Ministry.
Significance and Context
Gulmarg is among Jammu and Kashmir's premier tourist destinations, and the Gondola service is a key draw for both domestic and international visitors. A breakdown of this nature during peak tourist season underscores the logistical challenges of managing high-altitude infrastructure and the importance of a rehearsed disaster response protocol. This is notably one of the larger mid-air evacuation operations conducted at the site in recent memory. Authorities have not yet detailed the cause of the technical failure or a timeline for the service's resumption.
Point of View
And the inter-agency coordination is genuinely notable. Yet the absence of any official explanation for the technical failure, or a safety audit timeline, means the spotlight on heroism risks overshadowing the accountability question. High-altitude tourist infrastructure in Kashmir is expanding fast; the inspection and maintenance frameworks need to keep pace.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Gulmarg Gondola on 26 May 2025?
The Gulmarg Gondola service suffered a sudden technical breakdown at around 1 pm on 26 May 2025, leaving more than 300 tourists stranded inside suspended cable cars over the mountainous terrain of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. A multi-agency rescue operation was launched immediately, and all tourists were evacuated safely without any injuries.
Which agencies were involved in the Gulmarg rescue operation?
The rescue was carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), paramilitary personnel, and Civil Defence teams. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh credited their coordination, efficiency, and resolve for the successful outcome.
Was anyone injured in the Gulmarg Gondola incident?
No. Authorities confirmed that all stranded tourists were safely evacuated and that no injuries were reported during the rescue operation.
What is the Gulmarg Gondola and why is it significant?
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most popular tourist attractions in north Kashmir and among the highest cable car systems in Asia. Its first phase connects the Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori, while the second phase rises further to Apharwat Peak at nearly 4,000 metres, offering panoramic Himalayan views. It is a major draw for domestic and international tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
What did Rajnath Singh say about the rescue operation?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X that the rescue 'reflects the swiftness, professionalism, courage, and coordination of our disaster response agencies,' and said 'the nation acknowledges and applauses the dedication and service of all personnel involved in this rescue operation.'
