Gulmarg, June 25, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday formally reopened the Gulmarg Gondola, restoring operations of one of Jammu and Kashmir’s premier tourist attractions after a month-long suspension triggered by a technical snag.
The reopening function, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Tangmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah and senior government officials.
The Gondola had remained shut since May 25 after a technical malfunction forced suspension of services and prompted an extensive safety audit, replacement of critical equipment and technical inspections before operations were cleared for resumption.
The prolonged shutdown coincided with the peak summer tourist season, affecting thousands of visitors and dealing a significant setback to tourism-related businesses in Gulmarg. Based on previous revenue trends, the month-long closure is estimated to have resulted in a direct ticket revenue loss running into several crores of rupees for the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, besides indirect losses suffered by hoteliers, taxi operators, pony owners, guides and other tourism stakeholders.
Soon after the Chief Minister flagged off the services, tourists queued up at the Gondola station to experience the cable car ride, bringing activity back to the popular destination after nearly a month.
The Gulmarg Gondola, among the highest cable car systems in the world, is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s biggest tourist attractions, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad throughout the year.
Officials expressed hope that the resumption of Gondola services would provide a fresh boost to tourism and the local economy ahead of the ongoing summer season. [KNT]
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