J&K Cable Corporation plans IRCTC-style ticketing for Gulmarg Gondola

Srinagar, Jan 08: In a major move to enhance the visitor experience, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation is set to roll out an IRCTC-style ticketing system for the Gulmarg Gondola. This new system will allow tourists greater flexibility by enabling them to reschedule or prepone their rides, addressing the challenges of last-minute changes and cancellations. The initiative is aimed at providing better convenience for visitors while also minimizing revenue losses from canceled bookings.
Speaking exclusively to Rising Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad, Managing Director of the J&K Cable Car Corporation, explained that the corporation is working to implement a more efficient and user-friendly ticketing process inspired by the IRCTC model. The decision comes in response to the growing popularity and success of the Gulmarg Gondola.
He shared that the recent introduction of Tatkal tickets has seen tremendous demand, with all 250 daily Tatkal tickets being booked almost instantly. However, cancellations of pre-booked tickets have led to significant revenue losses. The upcoming system will address this by reallocating canceled tickets to Tatkal bookings, ensuring maximum utilization and minimizing financial setbacks.
“Tatkal tickets cannot be canceled, but many tourists make last-minute plans and struggle to secure availability. The Tatkal system provides them a chance to experience the Gulmarg Gondola ride,” Sajad explained.
Moreover, Sajad mentioned that several improvements are being planned for the system. “We are identifying and addressing potential loopholes, collaborating with relevant agencies, including NIELIT, to enhance the service further,” he added.
The new ticketing system will also provide tourists with the ability to reschedule their Gondola rides, a feature currently unavailable. This will allow visitors to adjust their pre-booked dates based on availability, thus enhancing convenience and reducing the wastage of tickets.
Notably, the Gulmarg Gondola service saw over 1 million visitors in 2024, underlining its immense popularity.
With these upcoming changes, the Gulmarg Gondola is set to undergo a transformative shift, improving efficiency, enhancing the visitor experience, and ensuring minimal financial losses for the corporation.