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A tragic incident unfolded at Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat on September 6, 2025, as a cargo ropeway cable snapped, resulting in the deaths of six workers. The accident took place near the revered Kalika Mata temple, shocking both locals and countless pilgrims who frequent the site every year.
The Incident: How Events Unfolded
In the afternoon, a cargo trolley used to ferry construction materials downhill was traveling near Tower No. 1 when its supporting cable suddenly gave way. The trolley crashed to the ground, killing everyone onboard two lift operators, two laborers, and two additional workers. At the time, the passenger ropeway used by devotees was closed due to bad weather, but the cargo line remained in operation for ongoing renovation work.
Immediate Response
Emergency response teams, including police and fire brigade personnel, rushed to the scene. Cranes were swiftly deployed to clear the debris and recover the victims’ bodies, which were later sent for post-mortem examination. Authorities quickly set up a technical committee to investigate the cause of the cable failure, focusing on possible maintenance issues or equipment faults. Officials have promised a thorough, transparent inquiry to determine what went wrong.
Remembering the Victims
The local administration has identified the six workers who lost their lives in the tragedy. Among them are Annaji alias Bhairavlal Ratilal Jat, a hotel worker from Rajasthan; Mohammed Anwar Mahmad Sharifkhan and Balvantsingh Dhaniram, ropeway operators from Jammu & Kashmir; Dilipsinh Narvatsingh Koli, a security guard; Hiteshbhai Hasmukhbhai Baria, canteen staff; and Sureshbhai Rayjibhai Koli, a flower trader.
About Pavagadh Hill
Pavagadh Hill holds deep religious significance and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Hill’s temple draws nearly 2.5 million devotees every year, many of whom climb 2,000 steps or take cable cars to reach the summit at around 800 meters in elevation. The cargo ropeway involved in the accident is separate from the main passenger ropeway built in 1986, which remains a vital route for pilgrims.
Safety Concerns and Next Steps
Tragically, this is not the first such accident at Pavagadh Hill. Years earlier, a similar ropeway mishap had claimed seven lives, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. In the wake of Saturday’s tragedy, all ropeway operations have been suspended pending a comprehensive safety review. State authorities have promised support for the families of the victims, and the technical committee’s investigation will determine whether human error, negligence, or mechanical failure was to blame.
Looking Forward
For the community of devotees and workers at Pavagadh Hill, this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the risks present even in places of worship. The hope now rests on a thorough investigation to expose what led to the accident, and on urgent reforms to ensure such heartbreak never occurs again.
