Fri Nov 29 17:56:41 UTC 2024: ## Minister Inspects Rope Car After Wind-Related Stall at Sholinghur Temple

**RANIPET, November 29, 2024** – Tamil Nadu Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, R. Gandhi, conducted an inspection of the rope car facility and other amenities at the Sri Lakshminarasimhar Temple in Sholinghur on Friday. The inspection followed an incident on Thursday where strong winds halted four rope car cabins mid-air, briefly stranding devotees.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 9:40 a.m., but all devotees reached the temple safely within an hour. Rope car service resumed at approximately 3 p.m. A Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) official stated that strong winds had been affecting the area for several days, but that safety measures were in place.

The rope car, operating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., transports around 1,000 visitors daily to the temple, with the remainder climbing the hillock. The service costs ₹100 per person for a round trip.

Minister Gandhi’s inspection included an assessment of the temple’s basic facilities, such as water taps, washrooms, changing rooms, and the canteen. He also rode the rope car with senior HR&CE officials, including Deputy Commissioner S. Jaya. The Minister further inaugurated an annadanam (free food distribution) program for devotees using the rope car facility.

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