2025.03.18 (Vrindavan Today News): On Tuesday afternoon, a technical malfunction occurred in the ropeway operating in Barsana, which transports devotees to and from the famous Radha Rani Temple. As a result, three trolleys carrying devotees from the temple began descending rapidly and ultimately crashed into the station. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported, but the ropeway’s operations have been suspended following the incident.
The ropeway connects the Radha Rani Temple, situated atop the Brahmanchal Hill in Barsana, facilitating the journey for pilgrims. Around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, the system experienced a sudden technical failure. Consequently, three trolleys, filled with devotees returning from the temple, started descending uncontrollably at high speed.
Notably, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had recently traveled via this very ropeway during his visit to Barsana on March 7 to inaugurate the Rangotsav (Festival of Colors). After offering prayers at the Radha Rani Temple, he also initiated the traditional Laddoo Mar Holi festivities. Along with him, Cabinet Minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan and other district officials had also traveled in the same ropeway during the visit.
Chaos Among Devotees as Trolleys Speed Downhill
As the trolleys accelerated unexpectedly, panic erupted among the 18 passengers onboard. Witnesses on the nearby road and stairway, who were walking to and from the temple, watched in shock and screamed as the trolleys sped downward. Before anyone could react, all three trolleys crashed into the station at high speed, shattering their glass panels.
Ropeway staff immediately rushed to the scene and safely evacuated all 18 devotees from the damaged trolleys. Fortunately, none of the passengers sustained any injuries, although they were visibly shaken. Following the incident, ropeway operations were suspended until further inspection and repairs are completed.
Power Cut Blamed for Sensor Failure
Sanjay Singh, the manager of Shri Radharani Ropeway Mathura, the company responsible for operating the ropeway, explained that the incident occurred due to a sudden power cut. He stated that the power failure was brief, but it caused the ropeway’s sensors to malfunction, preventing the system from controlling the trolleys’ speed. Consequently, the trolleys descended rapidly and collided with the station. While three trolleys were damaged in the incident, no injuries were reported.
Following the mishap, the ropeway’s operations were halted. Manager Sanjay Singh informed that a team of engineers from Kolkata has been called to inspect the system and carry out necessary repairs. The inspection team is expected to arrive in Barsana by Wednesday afternoon.
Legal actions and investigation
In response to the recent ropeway mishap in Barsana, Mathura, the local police have filed a case against the operator, manager, and owner of the ropeway company. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, was reportedly caused by a brake failure involving three ropeway trolleys.
The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad’s CEO, S.B. Singh, stated that the investigation will be conducted by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to determine the technical causes behind the malfunction. Meanwhile, the ropeway’s operations remain suspended as a precautionary measure.
Following the incident, on Wednesday, Avadhesh Kumar Purohit, the in-charge of the local police outpost, filed a report naming several individuals associated with the ropeway company. The individuals named in the report include:
Abhay Raj and Abhay Karan, residents of Okhla, South Delhi, identified as the owners of Radharani Ropeway Pvt. Ltd.
Sanjay Singh, the ropeway in-charge, a resident of Magrai village in Raipura, Chitrakoot district.
Kaju, the operator, a resident of Jatav Mohalla in Barsana.
The police report highlighted that viral videos circulated on social media on March 18, revealing allegations of negligence in the ropeway’s maintenance and operation. It claimed that the machinery was not adequately maintained, and negligence in the ropeway’s management directly endangered the lives of passengers onboard.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation aims to uncover the root cause of the malfunction and assess whether safety protocols were disregarded. IIT Roorkee’s expert evaluation is expected to provide further clarity on technical faults and accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors and pilgrims at the revered Radharani Temple, a prominent spiritual destination in Barsana.
