Patna: Patna has unveiled Bihar’s first fully modern crematorium at Bans Ghat, marking what authorities describe as a significant moment in the city’s urban development. The project has been built by the Patna Smart City initiative and the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation at a cost of Rs 89.40 crore. Spread across nearly 4.5 acres, the new complex is almost three times larger than the old 1.24-acre facility. Officials say the aim was to create a space that respects religious traditions while also providing modern, organised and environmentally friendly services.
Two grand gates, named Moksha Dwar and Vaikunth Dwar, stand at the entrance and exit of the crematorium. Each gate is 42 feet high and decorated with a bronze ‘Om’ symbol made by artisans from Jalandhar. Inside the campus, the walls display spiritual symbols and messages about life, karma and peace. The story of King Harishchandra has also been engraved to inspire patience and strength among grieving families. The overall design tries to offer a calm and respectful atmosphere for people performing last rites.
The crematorium has the capacity to conduct 18 cremations at the same time. It includes four electric furnaces, six semi-electric units and eight traditional wood-based pyres. The electric furnaces, brought from Gujarat, can complete a cremation in about 15 to 20 minutes. Officials say these systems produce nearly 90% less pollution compared with traditional wood cremations. A modern chimney system has also been installed to control smoke and reduce air pollution in the surrounding area.
Environmental protection has been given special importance in the project. Nearly 12,000 saplings, sourced from Andhra Pradesh, have been planted across the campus to create a green and peaceful setting. Two separate ponds have been constructed for ritual immersion and bathing, measuring 45 metres and 65 metres. Water from the Ganga is brought directly to these ponds through a two-kilometre pipeline, reducing the need for families to enter the river and helping to control pollution. The crematorium is located near the riverfront road known as JP Ganga Path.
A 12-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, inspired by the famous Adiyogi Shiva Statue, has been installed between two ponds inside the complex. The statue includes a 15-foot trident and is specially lit at night to create a spiritual atmosphere. Officials say this feature adds a sense of peace and devotion for visitors.
The crematorium also offers online booking facilities. Families can reserve slots through the Patna Municipal Corporation website and even generate ticket IDs using a WhatsApp chatbot. Services such as booking a Mukti Rath and applying for death certificates are also available online. A help desk team will assist visitors at the site to reduce confusion and long waiting times.
The Bans Ghat project is part of a wider plan to build 40 modern crematoriums across Bihar. So far, 20 have been completed in different districts. Authorities say this new model in Patna will serve as an example for the rest of the state, combining tradition, technology and environmental responsibility in one space.
