Srinagar, May 14: After remaining closed for several days due to escalating tensions in the border areas, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has decided to reopen the Gulmarg Gondola from Thursday at 9:30 am.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Managing Director of JKCCC, Kamar Sajad, confirmed the development, stating that the reopening aims to revive tourist activity in the region. “The decision was made so that tourists can come and enjoy the Gondola ride, which remains one of Gulmarg’s main attractions,” he said.
Sajad also noted that all tickets were fully refunded during the closure, even in cases where tourists failed to report a deviation from the earlier policy. “Previously, no-shows weren’t eligible for refunds. But this time, we refunded everyone completely, understanding the exceptional circumstances,” he added.
Local stakeholders expressed cautious optimism about the reopening. “We are hopeful that with the Gondola operational again, tourists will start returning,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local guide who operates near the Gondola base station. “This place thrives on tourism. Every day it stayed closed, dozens of families like mine suffered.”
Tourism stakeholders admitted that recent events led to a sharp dip in footfall. “There was a wave of cancellations after the shelling. Some tourists even switched to other destinations like Manali, or other places, said Javed Ahmad, a hotel manager in Gulmarg.
