Rope car at Palani temple tested

Palani,India, Aug 15 - The under repair rope cable car at the famous Lord Muruga hill temple here, which stopped in midair for four hours on June 5 while carrying 23 pilgrims,was today tested by operating it with 300 kg, officials said. The car was taken up for repair after the incident this year, when 23 pilgrims were stranded in midair for four hours in it after it stopped halfway up the shrine due to a snag. Experts who had then inspected the car, had suggested replacing the shaft,which was procured from Kolkotta at a cost of Rs three lakh. It was put through several tests at Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd at Tiruchirapalli and fixed to the car. About 300 kg articles were loaded and trials were conducted, as also tests for friction and sound. The high-level committee would visit the temple and also assess the safety of the rope car and giving certificate.