Escalators, Elevators of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer Statue Out of Order for Three Months

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – One of the main tourist attractions in Brazil has accessibility issues. The escalators and elevators accessing the Christ the Redeemer statue have not been operating for three months. Thus, those wishing to visit the monument need to climb 220 steps, making it inaccessible for those with locomotion difficulties.

The chapel at the base of the statue is currently not only used for praying, but also for visitors to rest.

“It was rough. I almost couldn’t handle it,” said pensioner Maria de Lourdes Lyra.

The elevators have been out of order since April when a storm that struck the city damaged them. According to Alerta Rio, it was the worst rainfall in 22 years.

ICMBio, the federal government agency responsible for the Tijuca National Park, where Morro do Corcovado is located, recommended a plan for maintenance and said that the company Trem do Corcovado, which runs the tram up to the statue, should pay for the works, which could cost R$1 million (US$250,000).

The company says that responsibility for the escalator lies with ICMBio. The stalemate has been going on for three months.

Trem do Corcovado said that it would assume maintenance and reconnect the equipment next week but will demand that the courts judge who should be liable for the repair.