Patna : Tourists visiting the Gandak River at Valmiki Tiger Reserve will no longer have to endure long waits for rafting adventures. The forest department has introduced a new, modern boat at Belwa Ghat, brought from Kolkata, equipped with advanced technology, including power steering, power handle, brake, clutch, and horn. This state-of-the-art addition, capable of carrying 12 passengers at a time, aims to enhance safety and convenience for visitors.
Previously, only one boat with a seating capacity of 15 was available for rafting, often resulting in delays for eager tourists. With the arrival of the new boat, this bottleneck is expected to ease, allowing for smoother operations. While the fare for the new boat is yet to be decided, the earlier boat charged Rs118 per person, including GST.
Enhanced Safety and Infrastructure
To further enhance safety and comfort, the forest department has constructed a floating platform with fibre boxes, allowing tourists to board the boats without the risk of losing balance—a problem that had led to occasional accidents in the past. Safety belts are now being provided to all rafting participants, reinforcing the department’s commitment to ensuring a secure experience.
The rafting distance in the Gandak River has been set at one kilometre downstream, with a round trip covering two to two-and-a-half kilometres. Strict protocols are in place to prevent any movement towards the Nepal border during rafting activities.
New Waiting Room for Tourist Comfort
In addition to the new boats and platform, the forest department has built a modern waiting room for tourists. This facility provides a comfortable space for visitors to relax, especially during the sweltering summer months.
Ranger Srinivasan Naveen emphasized that these improvements reflect the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance the overall visitor experience at Valmikinagar. With the introduction of new technology and upgraded infrastructure, tourists can now enjoy a safer, more seamless rafting adventure in the scenic Gandak River.
