Gujrat,Sep.06,2025: Pavagadh Ropeway Collapse ripped through the calm of Gujarat’s revered pilgrimage site, Pavagadh Shaktipeeth—sealing the fate of six lives and leaving many injured. The tragic breakdown of a goods-trolley ropeway has raised urgent safety concerns and triggered an ongoing rescue and inquiry effort-
What Happened in the Pavagadh Ropeway Collapse
The Pavagadh Ropeway Collapse occurred in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district, when a trolley designed to carry materials along the ropeway broke down. According to reports, six individuals lost their lives in the accident, and numerous others were injured. Emergency services were quickly mobilized to assist those affected.
The ropeway was specifically used for transporting construction goods—distinct from the passenger ropeway that ferries pilgrims to the hilltop temple.
Rescue Operation- Swift, But Grim
Following the collapse, rescue teams rushed to the scene. While exact operational details remain unfolding, local administration, fire units, and potentially medical support worked to tend to the injured and assess the damage.
Victims and Casualties-Lives Lost and Affected Families
Tragically, six people perished in the Pavagadh Ropeway Collapse. Details reveal that the cart failure was sudden and catastrophic. Reports also highlight a number of injured survivors who are currently receiving medical attention.
Pavagadh Ropeway History and Usage
The Pavagadh ropeway, built and operated by Usha Breco Limited since 1986, primarily serves pilgrims traveling to the Kalika Mata Temple atop Pavagadh Hill. It spans approximately 774 m in length, climbs 297 m in elevation, and has both passenger and goods-routing infrastructure.
Past incidents remind us of safety vulnerabilities: In 2003, a separate passenger ropeway accident claimed seven lives when several cable cars plummeted to the ground.
Goods vs. Passenger Ropeways
The Pavagadh Ropeway Collapse underscores the inherent risk in transporting both passengers and heavy materials on adjacent itineraries. While passenger systems undergo frequent safety audits, goods trolleys may face less stringent oversight. The 2003 tragedy underscored these disparities. Ensuring robust checks across both systems is critical.
Regulatory Response and Investigation
Authorities are expected to launch a formal inquiry into the Pavagadh Ropeway Collapse, examining technical failure points, maintenance records, and operator compliance. Given past precedent, such as the 2003 magisterial probe, similar investigative mechanisms are likely to be activated here.
Lessons and Path Forward
The Pavagadh Ropeway Collapse is a tragic alarm bell—not only for Gujarat but for all ropeway systems nationwide. Lives lost reinforce the urgent need for:
- Rigorous safety audits for both passengers and goods systems.
- Clear separation of passenger and cargo operations.
- Swift, transparent investigations with actionable reforms.
As the rescue continues and families seek answers, this incident must become a inflection point for heightened safety protocols and strengthened oversight.
