Ropeway Stops Mid-Air: Hundreds of Tourists Stranded as Cable Car System Haltst Near Popular Andhra Temple
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – In a terrifying ordeal that unfolded mid-morning today, a ropeway cable car system ferrying pilgrims and tourists to the renowned hilltop shrine in the Eastern Ghats came to an abrupt halt mid-air, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in suspended cabins for over two hours.
The incident occurred at the busy ropeway station connecting the foothills to the temple complex, a route frequented by thousands of devotees daily. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden jerk followed by a complete cessation of movement, trapping visitors from across the state and beyond in the sky.
Sudden Stop Sparks Panic Among Pilgrims
According to officials from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), which operates the ropeway, the system stalled at approximately 11:30 AM due to a suspected technical glitch. Passengers inside the cabins, some of whom were elderly and traveling with children, described moments of panic as the cars swayed gently before locking into place.
“We were about halfway up when everything just stopped. There was no announcement for the first ten minutes. People started shouting. Some children were crying,” recounted K. Srinivasa Rao, a tourist from Guntur who was visiting with his family.
The ropeway, known for its stunning aerial views of the lush valleys, suddenly became a cage of anxiety for the estimated 200 to 300 passengers trapped across multiple cable cars strung along the steep gradient.
Rescue Teams Mobilized: Officials Initiate Emergency Protocol
Upon receiving the alert, district administration and disaster response teams were immediately mobilized. Senior officials from the Revenue Department and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived at the base station to coordinate rescue efforts.
“We received the report of a technical failure at the main drive mechanism. Our priority is the safety of all passengers. We have deployed engineers and rescue personnel,” said a senior APTDC official who requested anonymity.
Rescue crews began the painstaking process of manually operating the system in phases, carefully bringing down one cabin at a time. By early afternoon, the first set of stranded tourists—those in the lowest hanging cars—were safely evacuated. Medical teams were stationed at both terminals to provide first aid and water to dehydrated passengers.
Technical Glitch Suspected; Full Investigation Ordered
Preliminary assessments suggest that an electrical malfunction in the main traction cable caused the emergency braking system to engage automatically. This safety feature, designed to prevent a catastrophic fall, locked the entire line in place.
“The system performed its safety function as intended. However, the sudden stop was unavoidable given the fault detected,” an engineer on site explained.
The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister’s Office has sought a detailed report within 24 hours, stressing the need for regular maintenance audits of all tourist infrastructure.
Passengers Share Ordeal: “Thought We Wouldn’t Make It”
For many, the experience was deeply traumatic. Some passengers resorted to calling family members, while others prayed inside the glass cabins.
“I was just thinking about my children at home. For a moment, I thought we might fall. The cables make such a creaking noise when you sway,” said M. Lakshmi, a school teacher from Vijayawada.
Social media platforms buzzed with photos and videos of the stranded cars, with netizens demanding accountability and better safety measures at tourist spots.
Conclusion: A Welcome Relief, But Questions Remain
By late afternoon, the last of the stranded passengers was brought safely to the ground. No casualties or serious injuries were reported, a fact that authorities are highlighting as a testament to the built-in safety systems. However, the psychological impact on the hundreds of tourists who endured the two-hour suspension in the air remains significant.
As Andhra Pradesh continues to promote its tourism potential, this incident serves as a stark reminder that safety must never be compromised for convenience. The state’s tourism bodies now face the crucial task of restoring public faith while ensuring that such a terrifying mid-air stall never happens again.
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*Source: https://ntvtelugu.com/national-news/gulmarg-gondola-ropeway-stops-mid-air-hundreds-of-tourists-stranded-in-jammu-and-kashmir-973617.html*