Meet Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi: Officer Who Climbed 500 Feet to Save a Child in Gulmarg

In the serene yet formidable heights of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, where the majestic Pir Panjal range meets the sky, an extraordinary act of courage unfolded on 25 May 2026. Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi, a decorated officer of the Indian Army and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) recipient, scaled nearly 500 feet of treacherous cable to rescue a stranded child from a malfunctioning gondola cabin. His selfless intervention during one of the most challenging civilian rescue operations in recent memory has earned him widespread admiration and cemented his place among the unsung heroes of the uniform.

The Incident: A Technical Failure at 500 Feet

The Gulmarg Gondola, a vital tourist lifeline connecting the base station to the picturesque Phase-1 station amid snow-capped peaks, suffered a critical technical malfunction on the morning of 25 May 2026. A gearbox failure brought the entire system to a halt, leaving 65 cabins suspended precariously over steep, rugged terrain. Some cabins dangled as high as 500 feet above the ground, exposing passengers to biting winds, isolation, and the ever-present risk of mechanical failure.

Over 300 tourists, including families and children enjoying the summer season, found themselves trapped mid-air. The situation demanded immediate, specialised intervention. What began as a routine holiday excursion quickly transformed into a high-stakes emergency requiring precision mountaineering, rapid coordination, and unwavering resolve.

A Swift and Coordinated Response

The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, in close partnership with the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) based in Gulmarg, immediately mobilised alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police. Under the direct leadership of Major General Puneet Doval, SM, Commandant of HAWS, rescue teams deployed ropes, ladders, and harness systems to reach the stranded cabins.

HAWS personnel, trained extensively in high-altitude warfare, ice-craft, and mountain rescue techniques, proved indispensable. Their rehearsed contingency drills with the Gulmarg Development Authority enabled a seamless operation despite challenging weather conditions. The entire evacuation was completed within six to eight hours, with the last passenger safely lowered by approximately 8:00 p.m. on the same day. Remarkably, no injuries were reported among the rescued tourists.

Major General Doval personally directed operations from the ground, using a megaphone to reassure anxious passengers and maintain morale. His visible leadership from the front exemplified the Army’s ethos of “leading from the front.”

Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi: The Officer Who Climbed into Danger

Amid this large-scale effort, one name stood out for individual heroism: Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi (commonly referred to as Col SS Negi). A seasoned officer with extensive experience at the High Altitude Warfare School, Colonel Negi had already earned the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service. On 25 May, he stepped forward when Cabin No. 8—positioned at one of the most critical height differentials—required urgent attention.

With calm determination and exceptional physical fitness, Colonel Negi volunteered to ascend the suspended cable line. Reports describe him climbing nearly 500 feet toward the stranded cabin, navigating the precarious height differential with precision and composure. Inside the cabin was a frightened child, separated from the relative safety of the group rescue efforts below.

Eyewitness accounts and official descriptions highlight the officer’s remarkable grit. At an age noted to be no less than 45 years, Colonel Negi demonstrated the agility, strength, and mental fortitude that define elite mountain warfare training. He reached the cabin, secured the child, and facilitated a safe descent—transforming a moment of potential tragedy into one of profound relief.

Social media tributes and veteran circles quickly amplified the story, with posts emphasising that “courage comes with the uniform.” One widely circulated account stated: “A child stranded nearly 500 feet above the ground. And one soldier climbing towards danger instead of away from it.”

The Broader Significance: HAWS Expertise in Action

Colonel Negi’s actions were not isolated feats of bravery but a direct reflection of the institutional excellence embodied by HAWS. Established in 1948 and evolving into its present form by 1962, the school trains personnel for operations in Siachen and other extreme high-altitude environments. Its curriculum emphasises ice and snow craft, survival techniques, and mountain rescue—skills that proved life-saving on 25 May.

The successful operation underscored the Indian Army’s readiness to support civilian emergencies, particularly in sensitive border regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Defence analysts noted that the seamless integration of military mountaineering expertise with civil disaster response agencies set a benchmark for future contingencies.

Aftermath and National Recognition

Following the rescue, the Gulmarg Gondola remained closed on 26 and 27 May 2026 for comprehensive technical maintenance. The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation announced full refunds for all tickets booked during the affected period. An official inquiry was ordered to determine the root cause of the gearbox failure and to implement preventive measures.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah publicly commended the “swift response, coordination, and professionalism” of all agencies. Senior Union Ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, also lauded the rescuers’ valour. The operation was widely covered as a shining example of civil-military synergy.

For Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi, the incident added another distinguished chapter to a career already marked by the VSM. His decision to personally climb into harm’s way—rather than delegate—embodies the core values of the Indian Army: courage, commitment, and compassion.

A Legacy of Quiet Valor

In an era where heroism often unfolds far from public view, Colonel Shailendra Singh Negi’s climb of nearly 500 feet serves as a powerful reminder of the human element behind military preparedness. He did not seek the spotlight; he simply responded to a child in distress with the skills honed through years of rigorous training and service.

As Gulmarg returns to its tranquil rhythm and the gondola resumes operations under enhanced safety protocols, the story of Colonel Negi will endure. It stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment—not only to national defence but also to protecting every life within its reach, regardless of uniform or circumstance.