The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has granted its formal approval to the Jammu and Kashmir administration for moving ahead with a cable car project in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam — the same region where a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack occurred in April. This clearance marks a key step, as the state authorities had approached the NIA for consent after the attack to ensure that the project did not interfere with security investigations.
According to officials, the NIA, which continues to lead the probe into the incident, has communicated that it has no reservations regarding the execution of the cable car plan from an investigative standpoint. An NIA representative reportedly told PTI that the agency had been consulted and had confirmed it held no objections to the proposal in relation to the ongoing inquiry.
The cable-car initiative has been under consideration for a considerable period. During a legislative assembly session on October 27, Altaf Ahmed, the MLA representing Pahalgam, raised a question about the status of the project. In its clarification, the government explained that although the contract had already been awarded, the work could not commence due to the operational uncertainty and heightened security sensitivity following the Pahalgam attack.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also oversees the Tourism Department, elaborated on the matter in the assembly. He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation had finalized the tender process and selected Ronmas India Pvt. Ltd. as the implementing agency, signing a formal agreement with the firm. However, the contractor has been unable to begin on-ground work due to post-attack restrictions and the need for procedural clearances.
The contracted firm subsequently requested permission to inspect the project site to conduct preliminary assessments such as topographical mapping and geotechnical analysis. The Tourism Department noted that the deputy commissioner of Anantnag was tasked with coordinating the request and consulting the NIA regarding security clearance for the visit.
Sharing further project details, Abdullah said the lower station of the ropeway would be situated near Yatri Niwas in Pahalgam, while the upper station would be located in the scenic Baisaran meadow. The total cable length is planned to be approximately 1.4 kilometers. The project will require around 9.13 hectares of land, currently under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department.
The estimated cost of the development is between ₹100 crore and ₹120 crore, and officials expect work to be completed in about 18 months once construction formally begins.
