Bhagalpur/Patna: The Bhagalpur district administration has launched a community kitchen at Barari Ghat for the people travelling between Bhagalpur and Naugachia following disruption caused by damage to the Vikramshila Setu.
The initiative was started on the instructions of District Magistrate Nawal Kishore Choudhary and is being managed by women associated with JEEViKA self-help groups.
People travelling by boats and vessels are being provided vegetarian meals at subsidised rates. A full meal priced at Rs. 50 includes rice, dal, vegetables, papad and salad.
Other food items available at the stall include litti-chokha at Rs. 20 for two pieces with chutney, chura fry with ghughni at Rs. 30 per plate, onion pakora at Rs. 25 per plate, sattu sherbet at Rs. 20 per glass and tea at Rs. 10 per cup.
Lakshmi Devi, a member of the JEEViKA group, said the stall became operational on Friday to assist travellers using the route.
Boat services expanded for passengers and farmers
The district administration has also arranged free boat services at Barari Ghat to ease transportation difficulties.
Two large boats have been deployed free of cost for transporting agricultural products, including vegetables, bananas and milk, to Bhagalpur markets.
Officials said boat operations have been scheduled from 5 am and 5.30 am to facilitate the movement of farmers and traders.
According to the administration, several cruise operators have also been permitted to operate services on the route. Passenger fares have been fixed at Rs. 50 per person, while children below the age of 12 will be charged Rs. 25.
Separate charges have also been fixed for motorcycles, bicycles and other vehicles.
Safety arrangements at ghats
The administration said facilities including ambulances, drinking water, toilets, control rooms and adequate lighting have been arranged at the ghats for passengers.
Boat operations have been restricted after 5 pm due to safety concerns. Officials said rescue operations become difficult in the event of technical failures after sunset, and the restriction has been imposed to ensure passenger safety.
