Gulmarg Gondola rescue: Rajnath Singh hails Army, NDRF op that freed 300 tourists
Synopsis
A technical failure in the Gulmarg Gondola left nearly 300 tourists dangling over Himalayan terrain — and within hours, a five-agency rescue involving the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police, and Civil Defence had brought every single one down safely. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a textbook display of India's disaster response machinery.
Key Takeaways
The Gulmarg Gondola suffered a technical breakdown at approximately 1 pm on 26 May , stranding nearly 300 tourists mid-air.
A joint rescue team comprising the Indian Army , J&K Police , NDRF , SDRF , and civil administration carried out the evacuation.
All stranded tourists were safely evacuated; no injuries were reported.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the operation on X , citing 'swiftness, professionalism, courage, and coordination'.
The Gondola's first phase connects Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori ; the second phase reaches Apharwat Peak at nearly 4,000 metres .
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 26 May praised the multi-agency rescue operation that safely evacuated nearly 300 tourists stranded mid-air after a sudden technical failure crippled the Gulmarg Gondola service in Jammu and Kashmir. Singh called the operation a demonstration of the country's disaster response capabilities, commending the joint effort of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration.
What Happened at Gulmarg
The technical snag struck at approximately 1 pm, disrupting operations on the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola — one of north Kashmir's most visited tourist attractions. The first phase connects the Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori, while the second phase extends up to Apharwat Peak at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres. Visitors who had set out for a scenic ride over snow-covered Himalayan terrain found themselves suspended high above the valley for several hours.
The Rescue Operation
Authorities launched a large-scale multi-agency response almost immediately after the malfunction was reported. Rescue teams comprising the Indian Army, J&K Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), paramilitary personnel, and Civil Defence units worked through difficult mountainous conditions to reach tourists trapped inside multiple suspended chair cars. Officials confirmed that all stranded visitors were evacuated safely and that no injuries were reported.
What Rajnath Singh Said
Posting on X, Singh said: '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.'
Broader Significance
The Gulmarg Gondola is among the highest cable car systems in the world and a centrepiece of Kashmir's tourism economy. A breakdown of this scale — leaving hundreds suspended over steep mountain terrain — tests the coordination between central and state disaster agencies in real time. This incident underscores the logistical complexity of managing high-altitude tourist infrastructure and the critical role of rapid inter-agency response in minimising harm. Authorities have not yet indicated when the Gondola service will resume normal operations.
Point of View
But it also surfaces a structural question: why did a flagship high-altitude cable car system — one of the highest in the world — suffer a breakdown that left hundreds suspended without a faster mechanical failsafe? The inter-agency response was commendable, yet the real accountability test lies in the technical audit that follows. Kashmir's tourism recovery is fragile; a repeat incident without a credible infrastructure overhaul could do lasting reputational damage to the Gondola as a destination draw.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Gulmarg Gondola to break down on 26 May?
The Gulmarg Gondola suffered a sudden technical snag at approximately 1 pm on 26 May, disrupting operations on its first phase between the Gulmarg bowl and Kangdori. Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the specific mechanical cause of the failure.
How many tourists were stranded in the Gulmarg cable car incident?
Nearly 300 tourists were stranded mid-air inside multiple suspended chair cars following the technical breakdown. All were successfully evacuated with no injuries reported.
Which agencies were involved in the Gulmarg rescue operation?
The rescue was a joint operation involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), paramilitary personnel, and Civil Defence teams.
What did Rajnath Singh say about the Gulmarg rescue?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X that the rescue 'reflects the swiftness, professionalism, courage, and coordination of our disaster response agencies,' adding that 'the nation acknowledges and applauses the dedication and service of all personnel involved.'
Is the Gulmarg Gondola service operational after the incident?
Authorities confirmed that all tourists were evacuated safely following the breakdown, but have not yet announced when the Gondola service will resume normal operations.
