NIA Clears Cable Car Project in J-K’s Pahalgam
New Delhi, Nov 2: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has approved the Jammu and Kashmir government’s proposal to go ahead with the long-pending cable car project in Baisaran, Pahalgam — the site of the April 22 terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly of tourists.
Officials said the Union Territory administration had sought the NIA’s consent since the agency is investigating the terror incident. “We were asked for our views on the project and conveyed that we have no objection from the investigation angle,” an NIA official said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has identified the alignment for the 1.4 km project, connecting the Yatri Niwas area in Pahalgam with Baisaran. About 9.13 hectares of land required for the project belong to the Forest Department.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, informed the Assembly that the work has been allotted to Ronmas India Pvt. Ltd., but execution was delayed due to the post-attack situation.
The JKCCC has also finalized tenders for engaging a consultant to prepare a detailed project report and related documents. The executing agency has now sought permission to visit the site for topographical and geotechnical studies, officials said.
The Department of Tourism stated that the project, estimated to cost between ₹100 crore and ₹120 crore, is expected to be completed within 18 months once work begins.
