Tourism

After ‘necessary maintenance’ Gulmarg Gondola thrown open after 2 months

Representational Photo

Srinagar: The Cable Car Corporation Friday claimed to have re-opened Gulmarg Gondola in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district for tourists after reinforcing the necessary maintenance.

Hundreds of the tourists visiting Gulmarg had expressed disappointment over the non-functioning of Gulmarg Gondola for phase 1 which had closed since 16 May 2018.

However, the Phase 2 from Kongdoor to Apharwath was open for commercial operations. The travel agents had also expressed resentment over closure of the J&K Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) for not maintaining it on time or during off season.

Managing Director Jammu Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Shamim Ahmad said that the Gandola was thrown open for visitors yesterday. “The services were restored last evening after necessary equipment was replaced,” he said.

The MD further said that the Gondola was undergoing maintenance on the advice of the French Company M/S Pomagalski which is responsible for its supply, erection and installation.

The company commissioned the cable car in the year 1988 had advised against its operation until its maintenance is done. “French engineers had visited Gulmarg and sought the replacement of Hub and Shaft of these lifts,” he said.

The gondola service is among key tourist attractions in a region counted among Asia’s best ski resorts. It is one of the highest and longest cable-based lift services in the continent, ferrying passengers to and from Gulmarg to Kongdoor station roughly 4,000 meters above sea level.

Due to due to closure of the Gondola, the corporation was losing lakhs of rupees every day this tourist season.

 

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