Mandi (Munish Sood)
The Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation HP Ltd (RTDC) faced a major setback on Thursday (February 6, 2025) when the ropeway leading to Mata Baglamukhi Temple in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh came to a standstill due to a short circuit.
The unexpected shutdown left tourists stranded and locals struggling without an alternative mode of transport. While technical failures are not uncommon, what raised concerns was the RTDC’s attempt to downplay the incident, citing routine maintenance instead of acknowledging the real issue.
No prior notice, visitors left disappointed
Had it truly been a scheduled maintenance activity, the RTDC would have informed the public in advance. However, no prior announcement was made — neither through an official notice nor via the media.
Tourists, who had travelled from far-off places to experience the ropeway, were forced to return disappointed. Local residents, who frequently rely on the ropeway, also faced inconvenience. Moreover, the abrupt shutdown led to financial losses for the ropeway operations.
Officials struggle to justify ‘cover-up’
When questioned about the closure, RTDC Deputy General Manager (DGM) Manish Sahni initially avoided calls. However, after pressure from senior officials, he responded but tried to evade responsibility.
Manish Sahni maintained that the closure was part of a routine maintenance schedule. But when asked why no prior notice was given, he reluctantly admitted that “it was an oversight and assured that such lapses would be avoided in the future”.
Investigation ordered to avoid recurrence
RTDC Director Ajay Sharma acknowledged the issue and stated that while maintenance work was cited as the reason, he would ensure a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. “If there were any lapses in communication or operational handling, strict accountability will be enforced,” he assured.
The incident has again highlighted the need for greater transparency and better management in public transport systems. While technical glitches can occur, hiding the truth and leaving the public uninformed only erodes trust.
