KCCI Sounds Alarm: Mismanagement at Gulmarg Gondola Threatens Tourism Experience

KCCI Raises Alarm Over Mismanagement at Gulmarg Gondola Entry Points

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has highlighted severe mismanagement and chaotic conditions at the Gondola entry points in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, urging urgent administrative intervention to safeguard tourism and visitor safety.

In a strongly worded communication addressed to key government officials, including the Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Mr. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and MLA Gulmarg Mr. Farooq Ahmad, KCCI voiced concerns about the operational inefficiencies at this premier tourist attraction, warning of potential risks to visitors’ experiences and safety.

Critical Issues Affecting Gondola Operations

KCCI has drawn attention to a breakdown of administrative structure, with responsibilities fragmented among the Cable Car Management, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Local Police, and Gulmarg Development Corporation. This lack of clarity has reportedly led to mismanagement at critical entry points. Tourists face long waits, overcrowding, and inadequate queue management, with KCCI describing the situation as “unacceptable.”

Further aggravating matters are unethical practices by local service operators, including aggressive ponywallahs, unscrupulous guides, Gondola ticket touts, sledge operators, ATV vendors, and transport operators. These individuals allegedly exploit tourists for financial gain, tarnishing the reputation of Gulmarg as a world-class destination.

Call for Immediate Reforms

KCCI has recommended comprehensive restructuring of the ticketing system, urging that priority be given to local travel agents to improve access fairness. Additionally, it has proposed measures to prevent bulk ticketing by non-local operators, which frequently disrupt service and hinder equitable distribution.

Comparing Gondola operations in Gulmarg with international standards and other ropeway projects across India, KCCI noted the alarming disparity in management, safety, and customer service standards. The Chamber warned that the current state of affairs, if not addressed, could lead to catastrophic incidents that may damage tourism in the region.

Urgent Demands from KCCI

To address the deteriorating conditions, KCCI is demanding:

• Clear administrative protocols to delineate responsibilities among relevant authorities.
• Robust crowd control mechanisms and structured queue management systems.
• Restructuring of Gondola ticketing practices to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.
• Comprehensive frameworks for tourist services to enhance visitor experience and security.

A Call for Action

The Chamber emphasized the importance of urgent action to restore order and efficiency at the Gondola entry points. It warned that continued mismanagement could have long-term consequences for Kashmir’s tourism sector, which is vital for the region’s economy. KCCI remains committed to advocating for reforms that safeguard the interests of visitors and uphold Kashmir’s reputation as a premier destination.

By raising awareness about these issues, KCCI hopes to prompt swift and decisive intervention from the concerned authorities to address the challenges at Gulmarg.

————————– Press Release ————————–