Gondola resumes operations after OEM certification, volunteers to be honoured: Omar Abdullah
Arshid Farooq
Srinagar, June 25 (KINS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced the resumption of operations at the Gulmarg Gondola after the repairs were certified by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and other concerned agencies.
The Gondola service resumed nearly a month after a technical snag and gearbox failure on May 25 left more than 300 tourists stranded mid-air, triggering a major rescue operation.
Speaking to reporters in Gulmarg, Omar Abdullah according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) said the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation had replaced the faulty gearbox within five days of the incident, but the government chose not to rush the reopening.
“We could have started the Gondola on the fifth day after the incident. The gearbox was replaced by the J&K Cable Car Corporation, but we did not want to take any decision in haste. The French manufacturer examined and certified the repairs. The system is now fully open to tourists,” he said.
The Chief Minister said services were resumed only after the OEM thoroughly inspected and certified the repair procedures, ensuring the safety of passengers.
Referring to the rescue operation carried out on May 25, Omar said local volunteers played a crucial role in evacuating stranded tourists from more than 40 cabins.
“It was the volunteers who rescued the tourists, but the credit went elsewhere. Today, I have announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for these volunteers in recognition of their efforts,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed optimism about the tourism sector, stating that tourism in Kashmir is steadily recovering and returning to normal levels.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable car systems in the world and a major tourist attraction in Kashmir, attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Umar Amin, owner of travel agency ‘Dream Peak Tour and Travels’ has welcomed it and said resumption of Gondola services will further boost tourism sector in Kashmir.
(KINS)
