The appeal relates to the April 10, 2022, Trikut Parvat accident in Deoghar, where a return shaft failure left dozens of passengers stranded mid-air and led to the deaths of three persons.
The Supreme Court will hear on February 9 a petition filed by Damodar Ropeways and Infra Limited (DRIL) challenging the five-year blacklisting upheld by the Jharkhand High Court over the fatal Trikut ropeway accident of 2022, even as the company’s safety record faces renewed scrutiny following fresh incidents in other states.
The appeal relates to the April 10, 2022, Trikut Parvat accident in Deoghar, where a return shaft failure left dozens of passengers stranded mid-air and led to the deaths of three persons. The prolonged rescue operation—carried out by the NDRF, Army, Indian Air Force and local administration—was monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office. Nearly three years later, the Trikut ropeway remains non-operational.
At the last hearing on December 15, 2025, the apex court issued notice to the Jharkhand government, making it clear that it would examine only the proportionality of the period of blacklisting, and not reopen findings on negligence or liability. The matter is returnable on February 9, 2026.
The Jharkhand High Court had upheld the five-year ban and a Rs 9.11-crore penalty imposed by the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation, relying on expert findings that the accident stemmed from a manufacturing defect in the shaft that should have been detected through mandatory ultrasonic testing, for which the operator was responsible. The court also cited deficiencies in maintenance, greasing and manpower training.