THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Raipur, March 22: A ropeway accident at Khallari Mata Temple in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district during the Navratri rush has left one woman dead and 17 injured, bringing scrutiny on operator Ropeway and Resorts Private Limited (RRPL)—a firm previously blacklisted in Bihar’s Rohtas project.
The incident occurred around 10 am on Sunday when a trolley carrying devotees plunged 200–300 feet after its cable snapped mid-descent from the hilltop shrine.
SDM Confirms Cable Snap, Probe Underway
Bagbahra Sub-Divisional Magistrate Namita Markole confirmed the cause of the tragedy, stating:
“The accident occurred when the ropeway trolley’s cable snapped while descending with passengers. The exact cause will be known after a detailed inquiry.”
She added that the trolley was carrying devotees visiting the temple during the ongoing Navratri festival.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The deceased has been identified as Ayushi Satkar (28) from Raipur. Among the injured are her husband and relatives, along with other passengers, including minors.
The injured were initially taken to a nearby hospital, with four to five critically injured shifted to Raipur for advanced treatment.
Another trolley carrying around 10 passengers was immediately brought back to the base station after the incident, preventing further casualties.
RRPL’s Role and Rohtas Blacklisting
The SDM confirmed that the ropeway was operated by Ropeway and Resorts Private Limited (RRPL), Kolkata. The company is now under scrutiny as authorities investigate possible technical failure or maintenance lapses.
Notably, RRPL was blacklisted for 15 years by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited (BSBCCL) in an office order dated April 13, 2026, linked to a ropeway project at Rohtasgarh Hill in Rohtas district.
The order cited serious safety violations and negligence, including a wire rope slipping during trial runs on December 26, 2025, due to design and operational lapses. The inquiry found gross negligence in the execution and safety protocols, leading to the blacklisting decision.
Second Ropeway Safety Concern in Chhattisgarh
This incident comes amid growing concerns over ropeway safety in Chhattisgarh, where a previous accident linked to Damodar Ropeway Infra Limited (DRIL) had already raised red flags. In a similar incident last year in Rajnandgaon district, a ropeway trolley crashed at a low height near the Bamleshwari Devi hill shrine in Dongargarh, injuring a political leader and raising early warnings about maintenance standards.
Safety Concerns During Peak Pilgrimage
The Khallari Mata Temple, situated at an elevation of over 1,000 feet, draws heavy footfall during Navratri. The tragedy has raised fresh concerns over ropeway safety standards at religious sites, especially during peak seasons when thousands rely on such services.
CM Orders Inquiry
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the incident and ordered a detailed investigation, assuring strict action against those found responsible.