Gujarat
Pavagadh, Gujarat, August 31, 2025 – A day of pilgrimage turned tragic when a cargo ropeway system collapsed at the famous Mahakali Temple on Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district, killing at least six people and injuring more than a dozen others. The incident has sparked shockwaves across the state, raising questions about safety lapses and maintenance of ropeway systems that cater to thousands of devotees daily.
The Incident
According to eyewitness accounts and officials, the accident occurred late Monday afternoon when a cargo ropeway used for transporting goods to the hilltop temple suddenly broke down. The steel cable reportedly snapped, causing the trolley to crash into the hillside. Several people were caught in the impact, including temple workers and devotees standing nearby.
“Suddenly, we heard a loud snapping sound, and within seconds, the trolley came crashing down. People screamed and ran for cover, but some were trapped underneath,” said a local devotee who narrowly escaped the accident.
Authorities confirmed that six individuals lost their lives on the spot, while at least 14 others sustained serious injuries. Rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, and local police, rushed to the site immediately. The injured were shifted to hospitals in Halol and Vadodara for urgent medical treatment.
Chaos on the Hilltop
The Mahakali Temple at Pavagadh Hill attracts thousands of devotees daily, particularly on Mondays and during festivals. The hill’s steep terrain makes ropeways a popular transport system.
As the accident unfolded, panic spread among devotees waiting to use the passenger ropeway adjacent to the cargo line. Police cordoned off the area to prevent stampedes, while temple management suspended ropeway services until further notice.
Drone footage from local media showed the mangled remains of the trolley lodged against rocky terrain, with emergency workers attempting to cut through debris to rescue survivors. Families of victims were seen crying inconsolably, accusing the authorities of negligence.
Government Response
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. He also directed a high-level probe into the incident, promising that those responsible for lapses would face strict action.
“We will not tolerate negligence when it comes to the safety of our people. A technical committee will review all ropeway systems across the state,” Patel said in a statement.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who hails from Gujarat, also conveyed condolences and assured all possible support for the victims’ families. He tweeted, “Deeply pained by the Pavagadh ropeway accident. My prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. The injured are receiving the best possible medical care.”
Safety Concerns and Past Warnings
The accident has reignited concerns over ropeway safety in India. Pavagadh’s ropeway systems have faced criticism in the past, with devotees and activists pointing out irregular maintenance and overloading issues.
Experts noted that cargo ropeways, often overlooked during routine inspections, are equally prone to accidents if not maintained properly. “Steel cables require periodic stress tests and replacement after a fixed number of operating hours. Unfortunately, operators tend to stretch their usage, risking lives,” said a retired engineer from the Gujarat State Ropeways Corporation.
This tragedy follows a similar ropeway mishap in Jharkhand in 2022, where tourists were stranded mid-air for hours after a mechanical fault. Safety experts argue that India lacks a centralized regulatory authority for ropeway operations, leaving states to rely on contractors with varying standards.
Voices from the Ground
Anger is simmering among locals, many of whom believe the accident could have been prevented. “We had complained multiple times about unusual jerks in the trolley. No one listened. Now lives are lost,” said Ramesh Patel, a resident of the area.
Families of the victims are demanding not only compensation but also accountability. “Money cannot bring back our father. We want answers from those who allowed such negligence,” said a relative of one of the deceased.
Way Forward
The Gujarat government has now ordered an immediate safety audit of all ropeway systems in the state, particularly those at religious sites. Experts are calling for mandatory annual certification, installation of emergency brakes, and proper training for operators.
Pilgrims visiting Pavagadh are advised to avoid ropeway travel until the investigations are complete. Meanwhile, alternative arrangements such as shuttle buses and additional stairway management are being considered to ensure that devotees can continue visiting the Mahakali Temple safely.
Conclusion
The Pavagadh ropeway tragedy has cast a dark shadow over one of Gujarat’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. What should have been a routine day of devotion turned into a nightmare for families who lost their loved ones. While the immediate focus remains on relief and rescue, the larger issue of infrastructure safety cannot be ignored. Unless stringent measures are put in place, such accidents risk repeating themselves, turning sites of faith into grounds of grief.
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