J&K tourism boost: Bhaderwah Gondola tender issued, completion expected in 4 months

Joy and optimism swept across Bhaderwah after Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh announced on social media that the tender for the long-awaited Bhaderwah Gondola (cable car) project has finally been floated, with completion targeted within the next four months.

Residents from all sections of society, especially tourism stakeholders, welcomed the announcement with gratitude and enthusiasm. They termed the development a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for the Chenab region, which has long awaited a transformative tourism project.

Tourism bodies, including the Bhaderwah Adventure Tourism Association (BATA) and the Tour and Travel Association (TTA), along with several adventure tour organisers, organised a joint press conference to express their appreciation to Dr Jitendra Singh and Bhaderwah MLA Daleep Singh Parihar. Speakers credited their sustained efforts and support for turning a long-pending dream into reality.

The multi-crore cable car project will connect Mathola village with Seoj Dhar, a high-altitude meadow located at around 12,500 feet above sea level near the foothills of the majestic Kailash Kund Glacier.

Tourism experts believe that once completed, the gondola project could emerge as a game-changer for Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, significantly boosting the local economy and generating new employment opportunities.

Seoj Dhar, regarded as one of the largest and most picturesque meadows in Jammu and Kashmir, stretches nearly 30 kilometres from Bhaderwah in Doda district to the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district.

The meadow is perfect for winter sports and adventure travel because it is covered in snow for almost seven months, from November to May.