Srinagar, Jun 25: The Gulmarg Gondola will resume commercial operations from Friday after remaining closed for nearly a month for extensive mechanical inspection, testing and maintenance, Director Tourism Qamar Sajad announced on Thursday.
Speaking after the reopening ceremony, Sajad said all mandatory technical inspections had been successfully completed before the decision to restart the service.
“The Gondola has undergone all the mechanical tests required at our level. Every technical aspect was examined in detail, the snags were rectified, and the load-bearing, cabin and cable-related tests were successfully completed,” he said.
He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Gulmarg on Thursday, took a ride on the Gondola and formally inaugurated the service, following which tourists were allowed to use the facility. Commercial operations will begin on Friday.
Calling the reopening a significant boost for the tourism sector, Sajad praised the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation for ensuring the highest standards of maintenance.
“It is a proud moment for the Cable Car Corporation. Once again, it has proved its capability in mechanical maintenance and ensuring the safe restoration of services,” he said.
The Director Tourism also lauded the dedication of the corporation’s employees, including regular, contractual and casual workers, for their commitment during the maintenance period and the recent rescue operation carried out on the Gondola.
“Our employees worked tirelessly. During the recent rescue operation, they played a crucial role in safely bringing stranded passengers down from the upper terminal. Their efforts deserve appreciation,” he said.
Recognising their contribution, Sajad said the Chief Minister announced a reward of Rs 50,000 each for members of the rescue team.
He also said six contractual employees of the Cable Car Corporation were handed regularisation orders during the function, while arrears amounting to nearly Rs 28 lakh were released in their favour.
Sajad said motivating employees strengthens the entire organisation, adding that the corporation’s achievements are the result of the hard work and commitment of its workforce.
On the issue of casual workers, he said the corporation’s Board had already resolved that their regularisation would be considered in accordance with any policy adopted by the government for casual labourers in other departments.
He added that the Cable Car Corporation provides better facilities to its casual staff than many other organisations and reaffirmed the management’s commitment to supporting employees on matters related to welfare, regularisation and working conditions.
“We consider it our responsibility to encourage and support our workforce. Their welfare remains our priority,” Sajad said.
