A significant event unfolded during the trial of the Rohtasgarh Ropeway Project in Bihar’s Rohtas district, casting doubts on construction quality and safety standards. The ropeway, intended to provide access to the historic Rohtasgarh Fort and Rohiteshwar Dham Temple, collapsed during its second trial run, just before its planned inauguration. The incident occurred as multiple supporting pillars gave way, causing the ropeway cabin to plummet down the hillside.
Serious concerns have been raised about the construction quality following the collapse, which occurred despite a successful initial trial. Fortunately, the cabin was empty during the incident, preventing a potential disaster. The collapse has led to questions about corruption allegations related to the project, which was set to be inaugurated on New Year’s Day. The project, with a total cost of Rs 13.65 crore, had been under construction for nearly six years, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laying the foundation stone in 2019.
The collapse of the ropeway has disappointed local residents who viewed the project as a promising initiative to enhance tourism and facilitate travel for devotees. The ropeway was designed to shorten a seven-kilometre journey to a few minutes, offering easy access to the hilltop fort and temple. The incident has triggered a broader discussion on safety, accountability, and transparency in government infrastructure projects, with investigations pending to determine responsibility for the collapse.
