According to the SOP, the duration of each ride must not exceed 10 minutes and preschool children must be accompanied by their parents during rides.
| Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ
The Tamil Nadu government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for operating giant wheels/Ferris wheels in the State. The SOP follows certain accidents involving ‘giant wheels’.
According to the SOP, the duration of each ride must not exceed 10 minutes. “Preschool children should ride the Ferris wheel with their parents at the same time, so that the child is not afraid when the cabin is raised,” it read.
K. Manivasan, Secretary of the Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments Department, told The Hindu thatthe SOP was drafted only after receiving inputs from all stakeholders, including multiple departments and association of operators. “Operators of permanent giant wheels will now have to register and obtain certificates. The Bureau of Indian Standards will issue the certificates.”
“If the wind speed is greater than 15m/s, the Ferris wheel must be stopped,” one of the provisions read. Operating staff have been told to ensure that there is no abnormal swinging or shaking of the Ferris wheel gondola.
The SOP is applicable to permanent Ferris wheels at amusement parks and temporary ones at trade fairs, exhibitions, and temple festivals. Registration. Mandatory licence is not required in case of operation of giant wheels with temporary setups.
It is applicable for ‘giant wheels’ that have a maximum height of 18 ft from the ground. As per the SOP, the maximum height permissible for a temporary setup is 60 ft. The operators of giant wheels in permanent structures/amusement parks are to register with the Department of Tourism and mandatorily obtain a IS/ISO 21101:2024 certification.
In case of temporary giant wheel setups, permission must be obtained from the Departments concerned. Operations must obtain a consent letter and also secure clearances from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services and the Public Works and Water Resources Departments.
The SOP also has provisions to be followed during the construction, installation, and utilisation of stages. Technical and safety inspections, staff and operator requirements, training of operating staff, passenger safety protocols, general mechanical operation and maintenance, emergency preparedness, monitoring, weather and environmental protocols are among the other requirements listed in the SOP.
Published – October 06, 2025 09:54 pm IST
