In a major setback for tourism in Bihar, an under-construction ropeway leading to the historic Rohtasgarh Fort collapsed during a crucial trial run on Friday. The incident occurred merely days before the facility was scheduled to be inaugurated for the public on January 1, 2026. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported as the cabins involved in the test were empty at the time.
Chain Reaction During Load Test
The catastrophic failure happened during a load trial of the 1,324-metre aerial tramway, which is designed to connect Rohtas block with the fort and the Rohiteshwar Dham. According to officials, engineers were conducting tests when a critical support structure failed. A pillar located near Tower No. 5 gave way, triggering a domino effect. This chain reaction led to the collapse of multiple pillars and sent four empty trolley cabins crashing to the ground.
An official from the Rohtas district administration detailed the sequence of events. The trial was being conducted in phases. "Two trolleys had been successfully tested earlier, during the first phase," the source stated. The mishap occurred during the second phase, precisely when four empty cabins were being dispatched from the ground station towards the hilltop fort. Preliminary reports suggest that a wire getting stuck during the operation caused significant structural damage, leading to the collapse.
Project Delays and Safety Scrutiny
The ropeway project, with an estimated cost of ₹13 crore, was being executed by Kolkata-based Ropeway and Resource Private Limited (RRPL) under the supervision of the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation. The infrastructure includes five towers and 12 cabins, each with a capacity for four passengers. It was envisioned to significantly ease access to Rohtasgarh Fort, a major tourist attraction situated about 1,400 feet above sea level. Currently, visitors face a challenging journey along several kilometres of winding roads to reach the site.
The project, however, has been plagued by delays. While the survey was completed and construction began in early 2020, the initial 14-month deadline was missed, along with several subsequent timelines. The collapse has now thrown the project into further uncertainty and raised serious questions about construction quality and safety protocols.
Official Response and Committee Formed
The Rohtas district administration has stated that the incident is being taken with utmost seriousness. In response, a high-level committee has been constituted by the chairman of the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation. The panel's mandate is to conduct an impartial and transparent inquiry into the causes of the collapse.
"The committee has been tasked with examining technical, administrative, and human factors, assessing compliance with standard operating procedures, and determining whether negligence or technical faults were involved," an official elaborated. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within a stipulated timeframe.
Authorities have assured that the financial burden of reconstruction will fall on the construction company. Strict action has been promised against any individuals or entities found responsible for lapses. Most importantly, officials have emphatically stated that the ropeway will not be opened to tourists until all safety tests are completed to full satisfaction, reaffirming that public safety remains the top priority.
