There are so many new and unique travel experiences to enjoy in India and now this country is home to the world’s longest cruise service, ‘MV Ganga Vilas Cruise’. Covering a distance of 3,200 km on a 51-day journey, this cruise takes the guests from Varanasi to Dibrugarh in Assam. All the stunning amenities and features provided on the journey have left everyone super excited and amid all the extraordinary news, we come to hear that the cruise got stuck during the journey. What really happened? Let’s find it out!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the cruise service on 13 January 2023 through video conferencing in Varanasi.
Beginning of cruise service on River Ganga is a landmark moment. It will herald a new age of tourism in India. https://t.co/NOVFLFrroE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2023
This Is Why The Ganga Vilas Cruise Got Stuck Mid-Journey
Shallow water is the major reason behind the cruise getting stuck. It was only the third day of the journey (Monday) when the cruise had to go through this. Several reports state that the cruise got stuck in the Saran district of Bihar while travelling toward Chirand. Due to the low water levels in the River Ganga, people could not tie the cruise to the shore.
According to a report by The New Indian Express, a team of the State Disaster Response Force reached the spot and helped the tourists to travel to Chirand using small motor boats.
The Government Has Denied Such Claims
Prime Minister @narendramodi will flag off the world’s longest river cruise ‘MV #GangaVilas‘ from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on 13th January.
The luxury cruise will cover a distance of more than 3200 kilometers across 27 river systems in five States in #India and #Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/94wBxuxb7t
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 8, 2023
The Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Ministry shared their views on this incident. The Ministry shared that the Ganga Vilas cruise covered the journey according to the schedule and tourists also explored all the places that are on the cruise itinerary. They denied any such reports of the cruise getting stuck because of shallow water in the River Ganga.
Also read: 6 Things You Need To Know About The World’s Longest Waterway Ganga Vilas Cruise
The Ministry also stated that the level of water was properly maintained on the cruise journey. Also, the requirement for the vessel draft is 1.4 metres and the waterway draft is 3.5 metres, which is far more than the vessel draft. The Ministry also shared how the cruise operator takes the decision of the anchoring spot and the mode of transportation of guests.
On the other hand, a government official agreed to the incident about how the cruise was not getting tied to the shore of the river.
Cover Image Courtesy: Twitter/ All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts)