Secretary Tourism reviews overall functioning of JKCCC
Srinagar: Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, J&K, Avny Lavasa, IAS, chaired a meeting to review the overall functioning, management and operational capabilities of the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC).
The Managing Director made a comprehensive presentation highlighting the Corporation’s operational performance, financial position, safety measures, recent initiatives and ongoing and proposed projects.
The presentation highlighted the operational performance of the Corporation’s major projects, including the Gulmarg Gondola, Kongdori Chairlift, Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway and Jammu Ropeway, besides ski-drag lifts at various destinations.
The Gulmarg Gondola continues to be a major tourism attraction, supporting sightseeing, adventure tourism and winter sports. The Corporation also apprised the Secretary of the completion of the ski drag lift projects at Gulmarg and Kongdori, along with ski drag lift facilities at Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and Padri Bhaderwah, strengthening the UT’s winter sports and tourism infrastructure.
Emphasising passenger safety and operational reliability, the Corporation highlighted its regular maintenance practices, mandatory inspections, technical audits and non-destructive testing of ropeway components in accordance with prescribed procedures and applicable safety requirements.
Technical support from POMA, France, the original equipment manufacturer of the Gulmarg Gondola, availability of critical spare parts and regular rescue mock drills form important components of its safety framework. Improvements in passenger amenities, CCTV surveillance, accessibility and tourist information facilities were also highlighted.
As part of its modernisation initiatives, JKCCC has introduced a new online ticketing and reservation system in collaboration with the Information Technology Department of the University of Kashmir. The system provides secure online payments, automated ticket generation, real-time booking and online ski-pass facilities. It is expected to generate significant savings by eliminating per-ticket commissions under the previous system.
The presentation also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand tourism infrastructure through projects such as the Pahalgam Ropeway, Shankaracharya Ropeway, Telemix/Gondola Project at Gulmarg, artificial snow-making system at Kongdori and other proposed tourist amenities.
The proposed upgradation of Phase I of the Gulmarg Gondola, involving an offer of 28.75 lakhs Euros from POMA, France was also discussed.
The Government-constituted Price Negotiation Committee has submitted its report and recommendations to the Administrative Department for further necessary action.
Avny Lavasa listened to the issues and requirements projected by the JKCCC management and assured all possible support from the Tourism Department.
The need for filling vacant technical and non-technical posts, finalisation of Recruitment Rules and modernisation of existing systems was also highlighted. The Secretary Tourism was accompanied by Special Secretary Tourism; Director Planning; Director Finance; and other senior officers of the department.
