300 Tourists Airlifted to Safety in Gulmarg Gondola Scare

New Delhi, May 25: A sudden mechanical failure in the Gulmarg Gondola service trapped hundreds of tourists in mid-air on Monday afternoon, prompting one of the largest high-altitude rescue operations seen in the region this season. Within minutes of receiving distress calls, the Indian Army’s Butapathri battalion mobilized specialized rescue squads. They were soon joined by SDRF and NDRF units, local police and administrative staff. Working against gusty winds and dense clouds, the teams methodically lowered each of the 65 affected cabins. Union Home Minister Amit Shah publicly commended their professionalism and speed, emphasizing that the six-hour mission ended with zero casualties. Temporary transport arrangements using extra all-terrain vehicles ensured that elderly passengers and children reached safer ground quickly. Engineers are now conducting a root-cause analysis of the cable-car system, while tourism authorities have urged visitors to check service status before planning trips. The incident serves as a reminder of both the popularity of Gulmarg’s adventure tourism and the need for rigorous maintenance protocols.