Gulmarg, Dec 13: Ishfaq Gowher
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on saturday inaugurated Asia’s longest ski drag lift at Kongdori in Gulmarg, a landmark project aimed at strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s winter sports infrastructure and positioning the region prominently on the global adventure tourism map.
The newly commissioned ski drag lift is expected to significantly improve accessibility to skiing slopes, ease pressure on existing gondola systems, and enhance the overall experience for professional skiers and tourists alike. Officials said the project would help Gulmarg host larger national and international winter sports events while meeting global safety and operational standards.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister said Gulmarg has long been recognised as one of the finest skiing destinations in Asia and the government is committed to upgrading its infrastructure to international benchmarks. “This facility will not only promote winter sports but will also create employment opportunities for local youth and strengthen the tourism-driven economy of the region,” he said.
The drag lift at Kongdori has been designed to operate efficiently in extreme weather conditions and is capable of handling a large number of skiers during peak winter months. Tourism officials said the project reflects the government’s long-term vision to diversify tourism offerings and reduce overdependence on conventional sightseeing.
Later, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art rotating conference hall at Affarwat, Gulmarg, marking another major milestone in high-altitude infrastructure development. The unique facility, located at a scenic high point, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Gulmarg’s snow-covered mountains and is expected to host conferences, corporate meetings, cultural events, and tourism-related activities.
Officials said the rotating conference hall would add a new dimension to Gulmarg’s tourism profile by promoting business tourism and destination conferences in addition to adventure sports. The facility is equipped with modern amenities and has been designed to function year-round, subject to weather conditions.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism, the Chief Minister said all new infrastructure projects in Gulmarg are being developed with environmental safeguards in mind. He stressed the need to balance tourism growth with ecological preservation to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.
Senior officials from the Tourism Department, district administration, and other line departments were present on the occasion. They said the new facilities are expected to significantly enhance tourist footfall during the winter season and reinforce Gulmarg’s reputation as a premier international winter destination.
