Aatif Qayoom
Srinagar, June 5: The Cable Car Corporation of J&K has completed repair works on the Gulmarg Gondola ropeway, while French engineers associated with the project have also carried out their final inspection, officials said on Thursday.
A senior official of the Cable Car Corporation said that the gearbox of the gondola system was replaced following the recent technical snag that affected operations.
After the completion of repairs, extensive testing of the ropeway is currently underway to ensure smooth and safe functioning before services are reopened to the public.
“The gearbox has been changed and all necessary repair works have been completed. French engineers have conducted their final inspection and we are now carrying out various tests to ensure the system operates smoothly and safely,” the official said.
According to officials, the repairs and technical assessments were undertaken under the supervision of the French experts associated with the ropeway project. The corporation is now awaiting clearance from the government before resuming commercial operations.
“The government has constituted a committee to review the matter. We are waiting for its recommendations and the government’s directions. Once approval is received, the services will be resumed immediately,” the official added.
Officials further said that the ongoing testing process is aimed at ensuring passenger safety and restoring public confidence in one of Kashmir’s most popular tourist attractions.
“We want visitors to have a completely safe experience. All technical parameters are being checked thoroughly and there should be no concerns once the service resumes,” the official said.
The Gulmarg Gondola, regarded as one of the highest cable car projects in the world, had recently suffered a technical snag that disrupted the movement of more than 65 cabins.
The incident triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving employees of the Cable Car Corporation, the Indian Air Force, J&K Police and the Army.
All stranded passengers were rescued safely during the operation.