Wonderla MD Apologizes After Power Outages Disrupt Chennai Park Opening Amid Cyclone​

Wonderla’s much-anticipated Chennai amusement and water park faced an unexpected setback on its opening day as multiple power outages disrupted operations. Managing Director Arun Chittilappilly publicly apologized to visitors after intermittent electricity failures caused delays in several rides. The outages were linked to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which had affected infrastructure across the region. Despite the disruptions, the park witnessed an impressive footfall of nearly 2,000 visitors on day one.

Taking to X, Chittilappilly expressed gratitude for Chennai’s overwhelming response while acknowledging the inconvenience caused. He reassured guests that all rides remained safe throughout the interruptions and that the management would work toward strengthening internal processes. His message aimed to address rising concerns as social media users shared videos of stalled or malfunctioning rides. Many visitors also posted complaints regarding long waiting times and interrupted experiences.

The issues surfaced shortly after the park’s inauguration by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, adding unexpected pressure on the park’s debut. Visuals circulating online showed halted rides and staff attempting to manage the situation amid fluctuating power supply. The management encouraged visitors facing unresolved problems to reach out directly for assistance. Wonderla also emphasized its commitment to quickly identifying gaps and preventing similar situations in the future.

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Spanning 62 acres, Wonderla Chennai is the company’s largest park, developed at a cost of ₹611 crore. Built to accommodate up to 6,500 daily visitors, it showcases a wide array of world-class amusement rides, water attractions, and family entertainment zones. The project also stands as a significant employment generator, creating jobs for approximately 1,000 people. Its scale positions it as a major leisure destination in Tamil Nadu’s growing entertainment sector.

The new park marks Wonderla’s fourth location in India, joining its established operations in Bengaluru, Kochi, and Hyderabad. The Chennai launch represents a strategic expansion for the brand, aiming to tap into the region’s strong tourism and urban population. While the inaugural hiccups drew criticism, many guests praised the park’s design and offerings. Wonderla hopes that once the weather-related challenges subside, visitors will enjoy a seamless and memorable experience.

Despite the rocky start, Wonderla’s management reiterated that safety remains their highest priority. The team is now focused on implementing enhanced contingency measures to withstand adverse weather and infrastructure challenges. Officials assured that the opening-day disruptions would serve as learning points for reinforcing operational stability. With corrective steps underway, the company remains optimistic about delivering a top-tier amusement experience to Chennai in the days ahead.

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