Constructed in 1971, the 400-meter-long ropeway linking Mall Road to Gun Hill in Mussoorie has long been a thrilling experience for thousands of tourists each year. Operated under the ownership of the Mussoorie Municipal Board through tenders, the ropeway offers an alternative to the steep pedestrian trail leading up to Gun Hill, one of Mussoorie’s most picturesque spots.
However, safety concerns have resurfaced following a recent technical evaluation conducted by BRIDCUL (Bridge, Ropeway, Tunnel and Other Infrastructure Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd.), the government agency authorised to inspect ropeway systems across the state. According to their report, which has been submitted to the state administration, the ropeway is not fit for passenger travel.
One of the key concerns highlighted in the report is the lack of a support tower along the 400-meter stretch, which compromises structural stability. BRIDCUL Managing Director N.P. Singh confirmed the findings, stating that the system fails to meet the safety standards expected for public transport.
The ropeway had previously come under scrutiny after a tragic ropeway accident in Deoghar, Jharkhand, in 2022 prompted a statewide audit of similar systems in Uttarakhand. While a prior inspection also flagged safety issues, the Mussoorie Municipal Board had dismissed the concerns, assuring the public of daily inspections and quarterly replacement of the rope cables.
Despite these claims, BRIDCUL’s latest annual survey reiterates that the system does not meet essential safety benchmarks, especially in the context of the high footfall it witnesses during tourist seasons.
With the new report now in the hands of the state government, action is awaited on whether the ropeway will be upgraded for safety or suspended to avoid potential mishaps.
