New Delhi, November 2, 2025 : In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has granted its no-objection clearance to the long-pending cable car project at Baisaran, Pahalgam, paving the way for the revival of tourism in the scenic destination that witnessed the April 22 terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
The Jammu and Kashmir government, which had sought the NIA’s approval in view of the ongoing investigation into the terror attack, confirmed that the project now stands cleared “from the investigation angle.”
According to the J&K Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), the 1.4 km project will connect Yatri Niwas (lower terminal) to Baisaran (upper terminal) and will be built on 9.13 hectares of forest land. The project, estimated to cost ₹100–120 crore, is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The work has been allotted to Ronmas India Pvt. Ltd., following the finalisation of tenders for consultancy and execution. The firm will soon begin topography and geotechnical studies, pending final procedural clearances.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, informed the J&K Assembly that while the project had faced delays “in view of the post-Pahalgam scenario,” the green signal from the NIA has now set the stage for its execution.
Once completed, the project is expected to boost tourism infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, and reaffirm Pahalgam’s place as a premier destination in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism circuit.
