Gulmarg Gondola Failure: Army and SDRF Launch Massive Rescue Mission to Save Stranded Tourists
The Multi-Agency Response
Following urgent distress calls from the local police and the Gondola Management Authority, the Indian Army immediately mobilized its rescue units.
-
Strategic Deployment: Troops from the Butapathri Battalion deployed three Casualty Assistance Teams (CATs) along the affected route.
-
Terrain Management: To battle the rough terrain and harsh weather, the Army deployed its specialized All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Additional support was quickly arranged through the local Gulmarg ATV Association to speed up the evacuation process.
Evacuation Progress and Latest Figures
The scale of the malfunction affected a total of 65 cable cars (55 occupied and 10 empty). Highlighting the progress of the joint operation, GOC 19 Infantry Division, Major General Manoj Joshi, provided a critical update on the rescue metrics.
Rescue Status Report (As of 1830 Hours)
| Section / Station | Cable Cars Safely Evacuated | Tourists Rescued |
| Phase-1 Side | 17 | 94 |
| Base Station Side | 15 | 90 |
| Total Progress So Far | 32 Cars Evacuated | 184 People Safe |
Current Status: With 32 cable cars successfully emptied, 23 occupied cars currently remain mid-air. Ground rescue teams are working relentlessly to bring the remaining passengers down safely.
Investigation Underway
While the on-ground rescue and medical assistance teams remain fully active, technical experts from the Gondola Management Authority are inspecting the cable car infrastructure to pinpoint the exact nature and extent of the mechanical glitch. Due to the complexity of the failure, system restoration is expected to take some time, shifting the entire focus onto the safety and swift retrieval of the remaining stranded tourists.