The Indian Army rescued up to 80 tourists Monday after a technical fault stranded gondola cabins mid-air in Gulmarg [2].
The incident highlights the precarious nature of high-altitude tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, where technical failures can quickly become life-threatening emergencies due to extreme environments.
The rescue operation involved the Chinar Corps, also known as the Chinar Warriors, working in coordination with the Jammu & Kashmir Police [1, 2]. They were supported by the State Disaster Response Force and local administration to evacuate passengers from the stalled lift system [1, 2].
Reports indicate that 65 gondola cabins were reported stuck [2]. The operation took place at a high altitude of approximately 14,000 feet [1]. Harsh weather conditions further complicated the efforts of the rescue teams as they worked to reach the stranded tourists [1].
There are conflicting reports regarding the exact number of people evacuated. One report said that 24 tourists were rescued [1], while another report said the number was 80 [2].
The technical fault caused the cabins to stall, leaving passengers suspended over the mountain peak. Rescue teams utilized specialized equipment to ensure the safe descent of those trapped in the cabins. The coordination between military and civil authorities was essential to managing the evacuation under the difficult atmospheric conditions present at the peak.
“65 gondola cabins were reported stuck”
The reliance on the Indian Army for civilian rescue operations in Gulmarg underscores the limited specialized high-altitude rescue infrastructure available to the public. The discrepancy in rescue numbers suggests a fragmented initial reporting process during the crisis, while the technical failure of such a large number of cabins simultaneously indicates a systemic malfunction rather than an isolated mechanical error.
