Gulmarg gondola mishap probe calls for safety upgrades, guide training

An official inquiry into a gondola mishap at Gulmarg has outlined a series of safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents and improving emergency response capabilities at the Himalayan resort in Jammu and Kashmir.

The investigation committee has proposed the installation of an extra rescue wheel mechanism on the cable car system as a critical safety enhancement. This additional equipment would provide redundancy in rescue operations should the primary system fail during an emergency.

Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the committee has recommended comprehensive training programmes for mountain personnel who would likely be first responders in crisis situations. Registered ski guides, tourist guides, photographers and pony owners operating in the Gulmarg area should receive instruction in vertical rescue operations—specialized rope-based rescue techniques used in mountainous terrain.

The recommendations reflect a broader recognition that emergency preparedness requires both technical infrastructure improvements and human resource development. By training local personnel in advanced rescue methods, authorities aim to ensure faster and more effective responses to any future incidents.

Gulmarg, located in the Baramulla district, is one of South Asia's premier skiing and adventure tourism destinations. The inquiry's findings are expected to inform updates to safety protocols and operational procedures at the resort.