Cruise stuck at Narayani Bridge, movement of large and cargo vehicles banned

NAWALPARSI:- The movement of large and cargo-carrying vehicles has been prohibited after the ‘Rhino Cruise’ vessel became lodged against a pillar of the Narayani Bridge. Thousands of passengers have been affected by the closure of traffic on the bridge.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anil Pandit, Information Officer at the District Police Office, stated that traffic on the bridge was halted due to potential risks after the cruise vessel—swept away by floodwaters—became stuck beneath the structure.

Pandit informed that vehicles traveling from east to west have been halted in Chitwan, while those moving from west to east are being held at locations suitable for meals and rest. Police stated that small and light vehicles, however, are being allowed to operate in one direction after being briefed on the situation.

Pandit stated that since the water flow has not subsided, making it impossible to retrieve the cruise vessel, discussions are underway regarding pushing it downstream in a way that does not damage the bridge. Two cranes have been brought from the Division Road Office for this purpose.

Chiranjivi Rana, the Assistant Chief District Officer of Nawalpur, stated that a serious challenge regarding the safety of the bridge has arisen after Nepal’s first and largest cruise drifted and became stuck against one of the bridge’s pillars. The cruise had commenced operations on the Narayani River at Gaindakot, Nawalpur, on Magh 18.

Rhino Water Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and Hotel River Crown Pvt. Ltd. had jointly launched the ‘Rhino Cruise’ on the Narayani River at a cost of 500 million rupees, with the aim of establishing a sustainable and promising new tourist destination in the area.

Inspector Laxman Giri, in-charge of the Area Police Office in Gaindakot, stated that the risk of the bridge’s pillar breaking has increased after the cruise—which had withstood even the devastating Bhote Koshi flood of last Bhadra 10—was swept away by the current flow of the Narayani River. Deepak Dhungel, Managing Director of River Crown Pvt. Ltd., noted that the two-and-a-half-story cruise measures 95 feet in length and 21 feet in width.