Continuous rainfall has caused a road inside the entrance area of the Manakamana Cable Car in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality–4, Chitwan, to subside, forcing the cable car service to be suspended. The road damage occurred after the Trishuli River repeatedly struck a suspension bridge connecting the area with Silingtār in Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality–3 of Gorkha. The increasing river flow and erosion have raised concerns about further damage to nearby infrastructure.
Road Inside Cable Car Gate Subsides
According to Rudra Upreti, Ward Chairperson of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality–4, the road inside the cable car’s main gate area subsided following the continuous impact of the swollen Trishuli River. The river has reportedly changed its course with the continuous rainfall, increasing pressure on infrastructure along its banks. As a result of the river’s force, cracks have also appeared along the main highway, while the road leading inward from the cable car gate has suffered significant subsidence.
Continuous River Flow Raises Further Risk
Ward Chairperson Upreti said the Trishuli River has continued to hit the suspension bridge with strong force, preventing the situation from stabilizing. He warned that the risk to the surrounding area could increase if the river’s flow continues to strike the bridge and nearby structures. The ongoing rainfall and rising river pressure have therefore created additional concerns for transportation infrastructure and access to the popular Manakamana tourism area.
Cable Car Operations Suspended
Following the road damage and safety concerns, the Manakamana Cable Car service has been suspended. The suspension has affected access for visitors travelling to the Manakamana area, a major religious and tourism destination connecting Chitwan and Gorkha. Authorities and local stakeholders are monitoring the situation as continuous rainfall and river erosion could cause further damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the area.
