Patna: Bihar is moving towards a new era of transportation as the state government pushes forward with plans to start waterway travel across several districts. At the same time, Patna Metro services have remained suspended today, causing inconvenience to daily passengers. However, officials say the temporary suspension is linked to ongoing preparations and trial runs for the soon-to-be-launched Malahi Pakri metro route. With both metro expansion and water transport development happening together, Bihar’s transport network is expected to become stronger in the coming months.
In a major development, the government has planned to build 21 water stations across 11 districts in Bihar. These stations will make travel possible through rivers, giving people another option apart from buses, trains and flights. Soon, passengers will be able to travel by water from Patna to Bhagalpur and even to West Champaran. The move is aimed at improving connectivity and making travel easier for people living in both urban and rural areas.
According to reports, the water routes are being developed along the banks of the Ganges and Gandak rivers. These two rivers will play an important role in the new transport system. In Patna district alone, five water stations are planned at Digha, Panapur, Nasriganj, Barh and Nakta Diyara. Construction work at Digha and Barh is already under way. Out of the 21 planned stations, 18 have reportedly been completed, while work continues on the remaining stations.
The Department of Tourism and Water Transport will manage facilities and services at these water stations. Officials believe that once the project is complete, it will not only make travel faster but also offer a unique and enjoyable journey experience for passengers. Waterway travel could also help reduce traffic pressure on roads and make transportation more affordable for many people.
The new water stations are being developed in several districts. In Bhagalpur, stations will be built at Sultanganj, Teentanga, Batkeshwar Sthan and Kahalgaon. Bhojpur will get stations at Khawaspur and Maholi Ghat, while Khagaria will have one at Agwani (Shahabad). In Vaishali, Konhara Ghat and Raghupur Diyara have been selected. Sonepur will get a station near Hariharnath Temple, while West Champaran will have one at Asharam Patkholi (Badhna). Begusarai will have Simariya Ghat, Katihar will have Manihari and Karogola, and Samastipur will have Pathar Ghat in Mohanpur. Munger has also been included in the development plan.
The government is already working on improving roads, railways and airports in Bihar. Now, by adding waterway transport, the state is taking another big step toward modern and multi-mode travel. If completed on time, the project could change how people travel across Bihar and open up new opportunities for tourism and trade as well.
