Srinagar, Sept 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has announced that the Gulmarg Gondola, one of Asia’s largest and highest cable car systems and a premier tourist attraction in Kashmir, will remain closed from September 22 to 29 to undergo its routine annual inspection and maintenance.
In a formal statement, JKCCC clarified that the temporary suspension of operations is a standard safety measure conducted every year to ensure the smooth and secure functioning of the gondola service. “The Gondola shall remain closed from 22nd September to 29th September due to scheduled annual inspection and maintenance. Inconvenience caused is regretted,” the statement said.
Officials emphasized that the annual inspection is vital for both technical efficiency and passenger safety, as the gondola ferries hundreds of tourists daily to the pristine heights of Gulmarg and Apharwat. The process involves a thorough check of cabins, ropes, motors, and emergency systems, ensuring the service meets international safety standards.
The Gulmarg Gondola has long been a centerpiece of Kashmir’s tourism economy, offering breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range and serving as a gateway for adventure sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and trekking. Its closure, though temporary, is expected to impact the daily influx of visitors. Tourism stakeholders, however, have welcomed the move, acknowledging that regular maintenance is critical to safeguarding the long-term reliability of the iconic project.
Officials further assured that all necessary inspections will be completed within the announced period and that operations will resume promptly on September 30, ahead of the autumn tourist season.