Panchmahal (Gujrat)| September 6, 2025|SKY LINK TIMES|
A tragic accident struck Gujrat’s Panchmahal district on Saturday afternoon when a cargo ropeway trolley collapsed at the Shaktipeeth site on Pavagadh Hill, killing six people, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 3:30 pm, when the cables of the goods ropeway snapped near the fourth tower, causing the trolley to crash into another tower.
Victims Identified, Probe Ordered
According to Panchmahals Collector Ajay Dahiya, five individuals were inside the cabin returning from the hilltop when the trolley cables failed. All five died instantly, while another person standing nearby was also killed due to the impact.
“All six deceased have been identified. A technical committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident, with focus on maintenance lapses and operational safety,” Dahiya told media.
Police later confirmed the victims included:
Annaji alias Bhairavlal Ratilal Jat (Rajasthan), a hotel worker.
Mohammed Anwar Mahmad Sharifkhan and Balvantsingh Dhaniram (Jammu & Kashmir), both ropeway operators.
Dilipsinh Narvatsingh Koli, temple security.
Hiteshbhai Hasmukhbhai Baria, temple food service worker.
Sureshbhai Rayjibhai Koli, a local flower trader.
Passenger Ropeway Shut, Goods Ropeway in Use
Officials clarified that the passenger ropeway ferrying pilgrims to the Kalika Mata Temple was suspended due to bad weather, but the cargo ropeway remained operational to carry construction material for ongoing temple facility upgrades.
Inspector General of Police (Godhra-Panchmahal range) Ravindra Asari said, “The deceased include three local residents, two from Kashmir, and one from Rajasthan. The investigation will determine the exact cause.”
Past Accidents at Pavagadh Ropeway
The ropeway, originally commissioned in 1986 and operated by Usha Breco Limited, is a mono-cable gondola system connecting pilgrims to the Kalika Mata Temple, part of the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
This is not the first tragedy at the site. In 2003, a hauling rope snapped, causing three passenger cable cars to fall. That accident killed seven people, including children, and injured 24 others. Rescue operations had then involved the Army and Air Force.
Inquiry Into Safety Standards
District officials said the investigation will also assess whether the trolley was carrying excess weight beyond its load capacity and whether routine safety checks were skipped.
Police, fire brigade, and local administration teams rushed to the site for rescue and recovery operations. The bodies have been sent for postmortem examinations.
As Pavagadh attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, the tragedy has reignited concerns over ropeway safety, maintenance oversight, and operator accountability at religious tourism sites.
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