After the successful operation of the Gulmarg Gondola, Pahalgam is set to get its cable car service, similar to Gulmarg, along with a drag lift, officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation said on Thursday.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) formalities are in the final stages, and the Board of Directors is expected to make a decision soon.
An official from the J&K Cable Car Corporation told Rising Kashmir that all necessary procedures have been completed. Some NOCs from the forest and other concerned departments are still pending, but they will be cleared soon, and the process will begin thereafter.
“The gondola project for Pahalgam has been in discussion for some time. Now that the formalities are nearing completion, we are hopeful that the Board of Directors will soon give the final nod,” the official stated.
He further revealed that the gondola will connect Yatri Nawas, a property of the J&K Tourism Development Corporation, to Bai Saran, a beautiful meadow on a hilltop surrounded by snow-clad mountains and lush pine forests. The proposed route’s aerial length will be around 2 km. Additionally, Aru Valley, another popular tourist spot, will be equipped with a drag lift to facilitate winter sports and adventure activities.
The official also confirmed that a survey was conducted in mid-2023 to ensure that the project would not lead to deforestation. “We surveyed at least four possible sites before finalizing the route. The construction will be environmentally friendly, with no trees being felled,” he assured.
Pahalgam, also known as the Valley of Shepherds, is one of Kashmir’s prime tourist destinations, located about 90 km from Srinagar in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. It also serves as a base camp for pilgrims travelling to the revered Amarnath Cave Shrine, situated at an altitude of 12,775 ft. The elevation of Bai Saran is comparable to the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola, which operates at a height of 8,530 ft.
Local stakeholders and tourism industry representatives have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the project will boost the region’s tourism potential. Bashir Ahmad, a local hotelier, said, “This project will be a game-changer for Pahalgam. It will attract more tourists, especially in winter, and bring economic opportunities to the people here.”
Another local, Shabir Hussain, who runs a travel agency, described the project as a transformative step. “Once operational, this will turn Pahalgam into a winter wonderland. The gondola and drag lift will encourage winter sports, making the area more attractive for adventure seekers,” he said.
Officials believe that the gondola in Pahalgam will help ease congestion in Gulmarg, where tourists often face long waiting times. “Gulmarg remains overcrowded, particularly in peak seasons. The Pahalgam gondola will offer tourists an alternative and reduce pressure on Gulmarg,” an official stated.
The tourism department and J&K Cable Car Corporation hope the project will receive final approval soon, paving the way for construction. The initiative is expected to significantly boost Pahalgam’s tourism sector, making it a year-round attraction.
