A devastating ropeway accident in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district has left six people dead, sparking fresh concerns about the safety of ropeway systems across India.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday afternoon in Pavagadh, near the revered Kalika Mata temple, when the cable wire of a goods ropeway, meant exclusively for material transport, suddenly snapped—sending its cabin crashing to the ground.
According to Panchmahal police, among the deceased were two lift operators, two workers employed by the contractor handling temple renovation, and two others who were travelling in the cabin.
The accident unfolded around 3:30 pm, instantly killing all six on board due to the combined impact of the fall and severe injuries from the cabin’s metal wreckage.
Rescue and Initial Probe
Superintendent of Police (SP) Haresh Dudhat confirmed the fatalities and said the bodies were immediately retrieved and sent for post-mortem examination.
An “accidental death” case has been registered at Pavagadh police station, and a probe has been launched to establish the exact cause.
SP Dudhat further stated: In case negligence is found during the probe, strict action will be taken accordingly.”
In the aftermath of the crash, cranes were deployed to lift the mangled remains of the cabin, while fire personnel carefully retrieved the victims’ bodies.
As a precautionary measure, the ropeway for tourists was also suspended, especially given the prevailing adverse weather conditions in the region.
Eyewitness and Temple Trust Account
Surendra Patel, President of the Kalika Mata Temple Trust that manages the Mahakali shrine, explained that the tragedy occurred during a routine operational check.
The unfortunate incident occurred when operators were checking the material ropeway. It slipped, leading to the death of four contractor employees and two others. Police are conducting a detailed probe.”
Fear and the Question of Accountability
This incident has once again brought into sharp focus the safety vulnerabilities of the ropeway system, which are increasingly being promoted as eco-friendly transport solutions for hill shrines, tourist destinations, and difficult terrains across the country.
For devotees, workers, and tourists alike, ropeways are not just convenient—they are often the only viable access routes.
Yet, Saturday’s tragedy underscores that without stringent accountability and regular maintenance audits, ropeways can turn into death traps.
- Public Fear: Such accidents create fear among devotees and tourists, undermining faith in ropeways as a safe travel option.
- Regulatory Gaps: While rules exist, their uneven implementation and lax monitoring often lead to oversight in safety standards.
- Ripple Effect Nationwide: Unless the inquiry into the Pavagadh accident is thorough and its findings enforced nationwide, the risk of similar tragedies elsewhere remains high.
Need for Nationwide Action
Experts and safety advocates are calling for this tragedy to serve as a wake-up call for both operators and regulators:
- Comprehensive Safety Audit: Ropeways across the country must undergo immediate and periodic safety checks by independent agencies.
- Strict Accountability: If negligence is established—whether by operators, contractors, or regulators—criminal liability must be fixed to set a precedent.
- Unified National Guidelines: Findings from the Pavagadh inquiry should lead to uniform national standards covering equipment quality, load limits, weather protocols, and operator training.
- Transparency for the Public: Reports of inspections and safety certifications should be made publicly accessible to restore trust.
Call for an Independent Commission
Given the scale of the tragedy and the potential risks posed by ropeways nationwide, experts are advocating for the central government to set up an independent commission to investigate all ropeway systems in India. Such a commission could:
- Examine the design, maintenance, and operational protocols of ropeways.
- Ensure that lessons learned from the Pavagadh accident are immediately applied to other ropeways.
- Recommend regulatory reforms to prevent negligence and enforce stricter safety protocols.
- Monitor compliance across states to guarantee that no ropeway operator compromises public safety.
Such an initiative could restore public confidence, prevent future loss of life, and ensure that ropeways remain a safe, reliable mode of transport for pilgrims, tourists, and workers alike.
A Tragedy That Demands Reform
While the Kalika Mata temple ropeway accident is being probed, the larger message is clear: India cannot afford to treat ropeway safety casually.
Every death caused by preventable negligence is a stain on governance and a blow to public trust.
For the grieving families in Gujarat, justice lies not just in identifying who failed on Saturday, but in ensuring that no other family across India suffers such a horrific and avoidable loss in the future.
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