Gujarat, India – A shocking tragedy struck Gujarat’s Panchmahal district on Saturday afternoon when a ropeway cable snapped near the famous Pavagadh Shakti Peeth temple. The incident, now being widely reported as the Pavagadh ropeway accident, resulted in the deaths of six people, including two liftmen and two laborers. The accident has raised serious concerns about passenger safety and ropeway maintenance at one of the state’s most visited religious destinations.
How the Pavagadh Ropeway Accident Happened
The mishap took place around 3:30 PM when the cargo ropeway—used for transporting goods and supplies up the Pavagadh hill—suddenly malfunctioned. According to officials, the supporting cable of the cargo bogie broke near Tower No. 1, causing the trolley to fall with heavy force. At the time of the accident, the passenger ropeway had already been shut down since morning due to bad weather, which possibly prevented a much bigger disaster.
Confirming the incident, Panchmahal Collector and Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat stated that an immediate rescue operation was launched. Police teams, fire brigades, and local administration rushed to the scene within minutes to retrieve bodies and secure the area.
Victims of the Ropeway Mishap
The victims of the Pavagadh ropeway accident have been identified as two liftmen, two laborers, and two others who were part of the cargo handling operation. All six bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. Families of the deceased have been informed, and authorities have promised full support and compensation.
State Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed that the accident occurred when the cargo trolley’s cable snapped near the first tower. He assured the public that a detailed investigation is being carried out and a technical committee will submit its report to the government.
Why Pavagadh Ropeway is So Important
Pavagadh hill, standing nearly 800 meters above sea level, is one of Gujarat’s most sacred pilgrimage spots. Devotees can either climb more than 2,000 steps or take the ropeway service to reach the temple. Every year, nearly 2.5 million pilgrims visit the Pavagadh Shakti Peeth, dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Because of this huge footfall, the ropeway plays a vital role in making the temple accessible for elderly devotees, children, and those unable to climb the steep stairs. The recent accident, however, has cast a shadow of fear and mourning over this otherwise vibrant spiritual site.
Atmosphere of Mourning at the Temple
Soon after the accident, an atmosphere of shock and grief spread across the temple complex and nearby villages. Devotees who had gathered at the shrine were deeply disturbed by the tragedy. Many expressed concerns about the safety standards of ropeway operations and demanded stricter inspections to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Relatives of the victims gathered at the site, with grief turning into anger in some cases. Locals questioned whether maintenance lapses and technical negligence were to blame for the fatal incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have made it clear that the real cause of the Pavagadh ropeway accident will only be confirmed after a full technical inspection. Engineers and experts have already been deployed to examine the damaged system. The government has ordered a detailed inquiry, and the district administration has been asked to submit a preliminary report.
Meanwhile, officials have promised immediate assistance to the families of the deceased. Relief measures are being coordinated, and compensation packages are expected to be announced soon.
Safety Concerns Raised
The accident has sparked a fresh debate about passenger safety at ropeways across India. Pavagadh is not the first place where such a mishap has occurred; similar accidents have taken place in other states as well. Experts believe that better monitoring, strict maintenance schedules, and use of advanced technology are essential to avoid future tragedies.
Pilgrims and locals are now urging authorities to suspend ropeway operations until the entire system is thoroughly checked and certified safe.
Another Tragic Accident in Rajkot
As Gujarat was still reeling from the Pavagadh tragedy, another accident struck Rajkot district on the same day. Around 1:30 AM, an SUV carrying engineering students overturned near Jangwad village in Jasdan Taluka. The crash claimed the lives of three young students—Naresh Kodavati (19), Moti Harsh (17), and Afrid Syed (17)—all from Andhra Pradesh.
The group of 12 students from RK University was reportedly on its way to Diu for a holiday trip. Police Inspector R.S. Sakariya informed that the vehicle’s driver lost control at a sharp turn, causing the SUV to overturn. Eight others were injured, two of whom were discharged after primary treatment, while the rest continue to receive medical care.
The bodies of the three deceased students have been sent for post-mortem at Rajkot Civil Hospital.
Also read: Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple Aarti Timings, History, Location, Festivals and Travel Guide
A Day of Double Tragedy for Gujarat
Saturday turned out to be a day of double sorrow for Gujarat, with both the Pavagadh ropeway accident and the Rajkot road mishap claiming precious lives. While one incident has raised concerns over technical safety at religious ropeways, the other highlights the risks of reckless driving and road accidents involving young students.
What Lies Ahead
The Pavagadh ropeway tragedy has left a lasting impact on Gujarat. Devotees, families, and local communities are waiting for answers. The government has assured that strict action will be taken if negligence is found, and long-term safety reforms are expected in ropeway operations.
For now, the temple town of Pavagadh remains wrapped in mourning. The incident has reminded everyone that while faith and devotion draw millions to holy sites, safety must always come first.
