Patna: Bihar is set to introduce inland water transport as a viable mode of travel, with the state government developing 21 water stations (jetties) across 11 districts along the Ganga and Gandak rivers.
The initiative aims to enable passenger movement between key locations such as Bhagalpur, Patna and West Champaran, offering an alternative to road, rail and air travel, which have so far dominated the state’s transport network.
Majority of jetties ready
Officials said that construction work has been completed at 18 of the 21 identified sites, while work is ongoing at the remaining three locations. Of these, two are in Patna district. Authorities have directed the concerned department to expedite the remaining work to operationalise services at the earliest.
Five water stations planned in Patna
In Patna district, five locations — Digha, Panapur, Nasriganj, Barh and Nakta Diara — have been identified for jetty development. Construction is currently underway at Digha and Barh, while the remaining sites are largely ready.
Network spans 11 districts
The proposed network covers multiple districts, including Bhojpur (Maholi Ghat, Khwaspur), Sonepur (Hariharnath temple), Vaishali (Konhara Ghat, Raghopur Diara), Samastipur (Patthar Ghat, Mohanpur), Begusarai (Simaria Ghat), Munger, Khagaria (Aguwani), Bhagalpur (Teentanga, Sultanganj, Kahalgaon, Batkeshwar Sthan), Katihar (Karagola, Manihari) and West Champaran (Asharam Patkholi, Badhana).
New transport and tourism boost
The move is expected to diversify Bihar’s transport options while easing travel across riverine regions. The tourism and water transport departments are also working to equip passenger vessels with necessary amenities, aiming to promote river-based tourism alongside regular commuting.
Once operational, the project is expected to improve regional connectivity and provide residents with a scenic and potentially more efficient mode of travel.
