Colonel SS Negi's Heroic 500-Foot Climb: Gulmarg Gondola Rescue Operation

In a significant act of bravery and military expertise, Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi, VSM, of the Indian Army played a pivotal role in the Gulmarg Gondola rescue operation, reportedly climbing nearly 500 feet to save a child stranded during a major cable car crisis in Jammu and Kashmir.

The incident occurred on May 25, 2026, when the renowned Gulmarg Gondola experienced a severe technical failure, leaving numerous cabins suspended between the base and Phase-1 stations. The malfunction, attributed to a gearbox issue, left over 300 tourists, including families and children, trapped in challenging conditions. With some cabins hanging hundreds of feet above steep mountain slopes, a routine tourist ride turned into a perilous rescue mission.

As panic ensued among the passengers, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, along with the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) personnel, collaborated with the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, local police, and civil administration to initiate a coordinated rescue operation. The difficult terrain, height of the cabins, and delicate cable system posed significant challenges for the rescue teams.

During the operation, Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi, also known as Col SS Negi, undertook one of the most hazardous tasks. Reports indicated that a child was trapped in a cabin at a precarious height, necessitating immediate specialized intervention. As an expert in high-altitude warfare and mountain rescue, Colonel Negi climbed the suspended cable system to reach the cabin.

At a height of nearly 500 feet, each movement demanded extraordinary balance, strength, and composure. Colonel Negi’s climb was both physically and mentally demanding, as even a minor mistake could have resulted in tragedy. Despite the risks, he persevered with calm determination, reached the stranded child, and ensured the child’s safe evacuation.

The operation underscored the vital role of the High Altitude Warfare School, a premier training institution of the Indian Army for mountain warfare, snow craft, ice craft, and survival in extreme conditions. HAWS personnel, trained to operate in some of the world's toughest environments, played a crucial role in turning a potential disaster into a successful rescue mission.

The rescue operation lasted several hours and concluded safely, with all stranded passengers evacuated without any reported injuries, marking the mission as a significant success for the combined rescue teams. The operation also highlighted the importance of civil-military coordination in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in emergencies involving challenging terrain and tourist infrastructure.

Colonel Negi’s courageous act of reaching out to save a child has garnered widespread acclaim from citizens, veterans, and defense analysts. His bravery exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army, where service extends beyond the battlefield to safeguarding civilians in times of crisis.

The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest and most popular cable car systems globally, was closed following the incident for technical inspections and maintenance. Authorities have initiated investigations to determine the cause of the malfunction and to prevent future occurrences.

For Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi, VSM, the rescue operation adds another inspiring chapter to a career distinguished by meritorious service. His actions in Gulmarg serve as a reminder that courage is not confined to the battlefield but can also manifest in the quiet determination of a soldier ascending hundreds of feet to save a frightened child.

The Gulmarg rescue operation will be remembered not only as a successful emergency response but also as a profound example of bravery, professionalism, and humanity demonstrated by those in uniform.