When Will the Cable Car Service at Palani Lord Murugan Temple Resume?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The cable car service resumes on Wednesday.
- Annual maintenance ensures safety and reliability.
- Alternative routes were available during the closure.
- Significant increase in usage expected during festival season.
- The service caters to devotees of all ages.
Chennai, Aug 19 (NationPress) The eagerly anticipated cable car service at the esteemed Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple in Palani is set to recommence on Wednesday, following its annual maintenance closure.
As per temple officials, a successful trial run occurred on August 18.
To ensure safety, weights exceeding 250 kilograms, in the form of stones, were placed inside the coaches to assess the mechanical and operational efficiency of the rope car system.
Officials have confirmed that all systems functioned smoothly, paving the way for the resumption of service.
This year, the cable car service was halted from July 15 for scheduled maintenance work, during which devotees were encouraged to utilize alternative routes such as the traditional 693 steps leading to the hilltop shrine or the electrically operated winch train.
Despite these options, the absence of the cable car was notably felt by elderly devotees and families with young children, for whom the rope car provides a safe and convenient means of accessing the temple.
The Palani Murugan temple ranks among the most significant pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, drawing thousands of devotees daily.
While many still prefer the climb as a devotional act, the rope car service, which operates daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., has become an essential facility, particularly for those unable to undertake the strenuous ascent.
Temple officials emphasized that the annual maintenance is vital for ensuring the rope car system remains dependable for the heavy pilgrim traffic it accommodates throughout the year.
This periodic inspection includes not just mechanical checks but also necessary safety enhancements, ensuring the service's smooth functioning.
With the cable car's reopening on Wednesday, devotees will have the opportunity to enjoy easier and quicker access to the hilltop shrine once more.
Authorities anticipate a significant rise in usage in the upcoming days, especially with the festival season approaching, which often brings an influx of pilgrims to the temple.
The rope car facility has emerged as a symbol of convenience, harmonizing with faith, and ensuring that devotees of all ages and physical conditions can experience the spiritual significance of visiting the sanctum of Lord Murugan without barriers.