Patna: A quiet transformation is underway on the banks of the Ganga in Patna, where the state’s first modern crematorium is nearing completion. Located at Bans Ghat, the upgraded facility—spread across 4.5 acres—promises to offer not just dignity in death, but also a cleaner, more sustainable approach to funeral practices.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs89.4 crore, the crematorium is more than just a physical upgrade. It aims to merge tradition with technology by providing electric cremation platforms alongside traditional wood pyres. Out of the five cremation platforms planned, two will be electric while three will retain conventional methods.
In a departure from the typically austere image of cremation grounds, this complex will include a canteen, a spacious waiting hall, and private rooms for grieving families. Two on-site water tanks are also being built, enabling relatives to perform ritual baths in a safe and sanitary environment rather than directly in the Ganges—an initiative applauded by environmental advocates.
Officials from the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo), including Managing Director Animesh Kumar Parashar, have pushed for speedy construction, with completion expected by July. Encroachments around the site have already been cleared to facilitate the work.
The expansion—from an earlier 1.24 acres to the new 4.5-acre complex—reflects a growing demand for facilities that accommodate both religious sensibilities and environmental imperatives. In addition to improving user experience, the modern crematorium is also poised to serve as a model for Ganges river conservation and urban planning.
“This is more than just a civic project,” said a senior BUIDCo official. “It’s about offering dignity to the departed, comfort to the grieving, and responsibility to the environment.”
