NIA Approves Cable-Car Project In J&K's Pahalgam Months After Terror Attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has green-lit a cable-car project in the Baisaran area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which was the site of a barbaric terror attack that claimed the lives of 26

tourists, said officials on Sunday.

The Jammu and Kashmir government had floated tenders to engage a consultant for the preparation of a detailed project report and tender documents for the project, and sought the anti-terror agency’s views on the work.

“We were asked about our views (about starting the cable car project) and we conveyed that we do not have any objection from the investigation angle,” an NIA official told news agency PTI.

The J&K tourism department said the project is estimated to cost Rs 100-120 crore and the work shall be completed within the shortest possible time of 18 months.

‘Post-Pahalgam Scenario’

Last month, Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani informed the J&K Assembly that the project work had been allotted to a company, but the work had not begun “in view of the post-Pahalgam scenario.”

According to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) had identified the alignment for the 1.4-km project. The lower terminal point is located near the Yatri Niwas in Pahalgam and the upper terminal point is located in Baisaran, he said in a written reply.

The JKCCC had floated tenders for the engagement of a consultant for the preparation of a detailed project report. The tenders have been finalised and the work has been allotted to Ronmas India Pvt. Ltd.

The CM said an agreement has been signed between the JKCCC and the executing agency. However, the work has not begun due to the post-Pahalgam scenario, and the executing agency has sought permission to visit the site for conducting topography and geotechnical studies.

“The matter for grant of permission to conduct site visit has been taken up with the deputy commissioner, Anantnag, who has conveyed to take up the matter with the National Investigation Agency,” the Department of Tourism said.

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 by carried out by members of a Lashkar-linked outfit called The Resistance Front (TRF), who gunned down tourists after asking about their religion. The attack sparked widespread outrage, and India launched airstrikes on terror outfits in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing 100 terrorists

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed a special public prosecutor for the trial concerning the terror attack. The NIA is expected to file a chargesheet in the matter soon. The NIA has questioned more than 1,000 people, including tourists, mule and pony owners, photographers, employees and shop workers.

(with PTI inputs)