SRINAGAR: J&K government has sought permission from NIA to carry out ground surveys and technical studies for the proposed 1.4km gondola project in Pahalgam, where a terrorist attack on April 22 left 26 people dead, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator.
The attack in Baisaran — a popular meadow above Pahalgam — forced the closure of the area and rattled visitor confidence in one of the region’s top resort towns. Keen to help tourism rebound, govt has pushed to restart the halted cable car project that promises to boost footfall and economic activity in south Kashmir’s hill circuit.
CM Omar Abdullah said in a written reply in the assembly Monday that J&K Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) had finalised alignment for the gondola — from near Yatri Niwas to Baisaran — before work stalled after the terrorist attack. “The total length of the project will be 1.4km,” Abdullah said.
The CM said govt is also exploring the installation of a ski drag lift at nearby Aru valley using existing foundations to promote winter tourism in the area.
He said over 9 hectares of forest land are required for the Pahalgam project — estimated to cost Rs 120 crore, including land compensation, to be funded from JKCCC’s own resources. Tenders for consultancy and DPR preparation have been awarded and a formal agreement signed, but site work has remained on hold pending security clearance.
“The agency has now sought permission to visit the site for topographical and geo-technical studies. The matter was taken up with the Anantnag DC, who advised approaching NIA. The corporation has accordingly written to NIA and work will begin immediately after permission is granted,” the CM said. Once approvals are in place, construction is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The attack in Baisaran — a popular meadow above Pahalgam — forced the closure of the area and rattled visitor confidence in one of the region’s top resort towns. Keen to help tourism rebound, govt has pushed to restart the halted cable car project that promises to boost footfall and economic activity in south Kashmir’s hill circuit.
CM Omar Abdullah said in a written reply in the assembly Monday that J&K Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) had finalised alignment for the gondola — from near Yatri Niwas to Baisaran — before work stalled after the terrorist attack. “The total length of the project will be 1.4km,” Abdullah said.
The CM said govt is also exploring the installation of a ski drag lift at nearby Aru valley using existing foundations to promote winter tourism in the area.
He said over 9 hectares of forest land are required for the Pahalgam project — estimated to cost Rs 120 crore, including land compensation, to be funded from JKCCC’s own resources. Tenders for consultancy and DPR preparation have been awarded and a formal agreement signed, but site work has remained on hold pending security clearance.
“The agency has now sought permission to visit the site for topographical and geo-technical studies. The matter was taken up with the Anantnag DC, who advised approaching NIA. The corporation has accordingly written to NIA and work will begin immediately after permission is granted,” the CM said. Once approvals are in place, construction is expected to be completed within 18 months.
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