Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNS): Secretary Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, Avny Lavasa, on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the overall functioning, management and operational capabilities of the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), with a focus on passenger safety, modernisation and expansion of tourism infrastructure.
According to an official statement, the Managing Director of JKCCC presented a detailed overview of the Corporation’s operational performance, financial position, safety measures, ongoing initiatives and proposed projects.
The meeting reviewed the functioning of major ropeway projects, including the Gulmarg Gondola, Kongdori Chairlift, Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway and Jammu Ropeway, besides ski-drag lifts at various tourist destinations.
The Corporation informed the meeting that ski-drag lift projects at Gulmarg and Kongdori had been completed, along with facilities at Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and Padri Bhaderwah, aimed at strengthening winter sports and tourism infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
Emphasising passenger safety and operational reliability, the Corporation highlighted regular maintenance, mandatory inspections, technical audits and non-destructive testing of ropeway components. Technical support from POMA, France, the original equipment manufacturer of the Gulmarg Gondola, availability of critical spare parts and regular rescue mock drills were also highlighted as key safety measures.
The meeting was further informed about the introduction of a new online ticketing and reservation system in collaboration with the Information Technology Department of the University of Kashmir.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe system facilitates secure online payments, automated ticket generation, real-time booking and online ski-pass facilities. It is also expected to reduce expenditure by eliminating per-ticket commissions under the previous system.
The Corporation also reviewed several proposed tourism infrastructure projects, including the Pahalgam Ropeway, Shankaracharya Ropeway, Telemix/Gondola Project at Gulmarg and an artificial snow-making system at Kongdori, besides other tourist amenities.
The proposed upgradation of Phase I of the Gulmarg Gondola was also discussed during the meeting. POMA, France, has submitted an offer of €28.75 lakh for the project, while the Government-constituted Price Negotiation Committee has submitted its report and recommendations to the Administrative Department for further necessary action.
Avny Lavasa took note of the issues and requirements raised by the JKCCC management and assured all possible support from the Tourism Department. The need to fill vacant technical and non-technical posts, finalise Recruitment Rules and modernise existing systems was also highlighted.
The Secretary Tourism was accompanied by the Special Secretary Tourism, Director Planning, Director Finance and other senior officers of the department. (KNS)
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