ABOUT US

Work on Gulmarg Gondola Project (Phase-I and Phase-II) was taken up for execution by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir through Department of Tourism in the year 1987 and the work for supply, erection, installation and commissioning was awarded to the French Company, namely, M/S Pomagalski of France

In the year 1988, the Government of J&K established J&K State Cable Car Corporation under the Companies Act, 1956 with an authorized capital of Rs. 2500.00 lacs to pursue the following main objectives, as laid down in its Memorandum of Articles and Association:-

1.                  To establish run, manage and administer Ropeways and Cable Car Project at Gulmarg;

2.                  To establish and carry on the business of Cable Car at other Tourist resorts of the State of Jammu & Kashmir;

3.                  To develop necessary infrastructure and common facilities at different places in order to promote tourism in the State;

4.                  To establish, construct, lease out or acquire on its own Ropeways and Cable Cars at other tourist places;

5.                  To take over the running business of Gulmarg Cable Car Project at Gulmarg.

   In pursuit of its objectives,  the J&K State Cable Car Corporation took over the running business of the Gulmarg Gondola Project and the work on the project was going on till 1990.  The French company abandoned the work on the project due to unprecedented situation in the State.  However, due to long pursuit by the Government and the Corporation management, M/S Pomagalski of France resumed the  work on the project in the year 1998 for completion of the Section-I of the project running from Gulmarg to Kongdoor.  The Section-I of the project was put to commercial operation from May, 1998.   After the commercial operation of the Gulmarg Gondola Project (Phase-I), The year-wise revenue earnings of the Corporation from the year 1998-99 are given as under:-

                              Year                                                         Revenue  Earned

                        1998-99                                                           Rs.  85.54 lacs

                        1999-2000                                                       Rs. 115.16 lacs

                        2000-2001                                                       Rs. 128.19 lacs

                        2001-02                                                           Rs. 132.40 lacs

                        2002-03                                                           Rs. 151.15 lacs

                        2003-04                                                           Rs. 237.93 lacs

                        2004-05                                                           Rs. 284.78 lacs

                        2005-06                                                            Rs. 683.28 lacs

                        2006-07                                                            Rs.676.00 lacs

                        2007-08                                                            Rs. 835.00 lacs

                        2008-09 (upto June - 09)                            Rs. 497.18 lacs

            After the commercial operation of Section-I of Gulmarg Gondola Project, it became a major tourist attraction in Gulmarg and as shall be seen from the above figures the revenue earnings went on increasing year after year.

 Commissioning of Section-II of Gulmarg Gondola Project

( Running from Kongdoor to Apharwat at an altitude of 13400 ft,)

1.         Electrical/Mechanical work       -           M/S Pomagalski S.A, France

2.         Civil/Structural works               -           M/S Age Constructions (P) Ltd.

3.         Consultants                               -           M/S RITES Ltd. (a Govt. of India Undertaking) New Delhi

4.         Project Engineer        -           Mr.. B. Jamali, Sr. Manager, J&K State Cable Car Corporation.

            Due to the inclement weather conditions at Kangdoor/Apharwat, the project could not be completed on the scheduled date.  The contractors and the management of the Corporation had to face lot of difficulties in completion of this prestigious project due to difficult terrain, heavy and early snow falls.  However, due to joint efforts made by M/S Pomagalski, M/S Age Constructions (Indian Associates of Pomagalski),  M/S RITES (Consultants) and the staff of the Cable Car corporation the project was  completed in March, 2005.  The trial runs, load test and other necessary electro mechanical tests were conducted by M/S Pomagalski of France in March, 2005 successfully.  The project was dedicated to the nation by the  Hon’ble Chief Minister, J&K on 28-05-2005.  The commercial operation of Section-II was started from 28-05-2005 and after commercial operation of Section-II of the project, the revenue earnings have increased very much.

            After the completion of Phase-II of the project, the Gulmarg Gondola Project has become  one of the highest and largest ropeways  in  Asia having a total aerial distance of 5 kms. (approx.) and the Section-II is going to boost the winter tourism at Gulmarg .    After the commercial operation of Section-II of Gulmarg Gondola Project, the Corporation is expecting to earn a revenue of Rs. 600 lacs to Rs. 700 lacs during the current financial year.      

The type of system installed is detachable grip type in which the Gondolas move at a reduced speed for convenience of the passengers at the stations but the rope speed remains constant.  A number of safety devices are an integral part of the system design to ensure absolute safety of passengers.  The standard codes of practice such as OIATF, and other reputed regulations of other countries like France, Switzerland and Austria have been taken into consideration in the design and installation of the Gulmarg Gondola.

The charges for Gondola rides have been fixed as under:-

1.  Phase-I from Gulmarg to Kangdoor:

            -  for Adults                                          Rs. 200/- per round trip

            -  for children below 10 years         Rs. 100/ per round trip

2.   Phase-II from Kangdoor to Apharwat:

            -   For all categories                          Rs. 500/-per round trip

New Projects:

            The Corporation has already got prepared Techno Economic Feasibility Study Report (Project Reports) in respect of following new proposed projects:-

1.         A passenger ropeway from Mubarak Mandi to Bagh-e-Bahu at Jammu

2.         A passenger ropeway system between Bhawan and Bhairon Ghati  at Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Shrine at Katra, Jammu.  This project is proposed to be taken for execution in joint venture between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, J&K State Cable Car Corporation and M/S RITES Ltd. ( a Govt. of India Undertaking).

            3.         A passenger ropeway from Boulevard to Shanker Acharyaji  Temple.

4.                  Passenger Ropeway Project from  Badamwari  to Hari Parbat  at Srinagar

5.                  Passenger Ropeway Project at Ashmuqam, Anantnag, Kashmir