Srinagar, Aug 04: The Cable Corporation of Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to launch a new IRTC-type website for booking tickets to the popular Gulmarg gondola ride to improve the tourist experience in Kashmir. The website is expected to go live on a trial basis by the end of August or early September, officials said.
The new system aims to provide a more transparent, hassle-free platform for tourists, addressing long-standing issues with the current booking process, including the widespread involvement of brokers and the unavailability of slots.
“We are developing a user-friendly website similar to the IRTC platform. The idea is to ensure that tourists can book their gondola tickets directly, without relying on third parties,” an official from the Cable Corporation told Rising Kashmir. “Work is going on, and we’re confident that a trial run can be done by early next month.”
Currently, many tourists complain that tickets are often marked “sold out” online, despite availability on the ground, forcing them to turn to brokers or unauthorised agents who charge extra.
“I tried booking tickets online a week in advance, but couldn’t get a slot. When I reached Gulmarg, brokers were openly selling tickets at double the price,” said Mohammed Hanief, a tourist from Delhi. “This new website, if it works well, will be a big relief.”
Tour operators in the Valley also welcome the move. “Tourism is growing, and we need better infrastructure to support it,” said Bashir Ahmad, a local travel agent. “The current system is outdated and easy to exploit. The new booking portal could help rebuild trust among visitors.”
The Gulmarg gondola, one of Asia’s highest cable cars, remains a key attraction in Kashmir’s tourism circuit. Officials believe that a transparent and efficient booking system will boost visitor satisfaction and reduce complaints.
“Tourists deserve a smooth experience,” the Cable Corporation official added. “This new system is our step toward that goal.”
