Officials Hopeful for Tourism Revival
WS/VP Desk
Gulmarg, May 15 : The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has announced the reopening of the Gulmarg Gondola today, following its temporary closure due to heightened border tensions between India and Pakistan, which had escalated into a near-war situation.
Kamar Sajad, Managing Director of JKCCC, confirmed the reopening, stating that it aims to revitalize tourism in the region. “By resuming operations, we are allowing visitors to once again experience the Gondola ride—one of Gulmarg’s key attractions,” he said.
He further clarified that all tickets purchased during the closure were fully refunded, even in cases where travelers did not notify the company about their changed plans.
“Previously, no-shows were not eligible for refunds. However, given the exceptional circumstances, we ensured full refunds for all passengers this time,” Sajad added.
Meanwhile, officials told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that they are optimistic about a tourism revival following the Gondola’s reopening.
They acknowledged that cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan had disrupted the tourism industry at a crucial time but assured that efforts are underway to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
A hoteliers’ association informed The Web Story/The Varmul Post that while the industry has suffered setbacks, national security remains the top priority. They also admitted that the traumatic events in Pahalgam last month continue to affect them.
“The situation is gradually returning to normal, and we are hopeful that tourists will return soon. We assure them of their safety and security,” they said.
Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 tourists were killed and several others were seriously injured, India and Pakistan have engaged in a series of tit-for-tat actions. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, though Islamabad denies any involvement.
The two countries came close to war in 2019 following the deadly Pulwama bombing in South Kashmir, where a suicide bomber targeted a paramilitary convoy, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. In retaliation, Indian fighter jets launched missiles that struck Balakot in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
However, last week, on May 7, India claimed that its armed forces conducted precision strikes using advanced weapon systems, including loitering munitions, on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Indian military reportedly targeted selective terror bases in Pakistan and PoK under the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’, alleging that these camps were used to orchestrate terrorist attacks.
The situation remained tense, with both countries on the brink of war until Saturday, when, in a surprise move, Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. The development was unexpected, given that the two sides had exchanged heavy fire just hours before, with India bombing airbases and key military facilities in Pakistan.
