Patna: Bihar government is seeking to transform the Ganga into an engine of economic growth, drawing comparisons with the role played by the Rhine in Europe’s industrial development. As part of that vision, work has begun on a Rs 300 crore ship repair centre in Patna, alongside dredging operations and plans for floating jetties to strengthen inland waterways.
The proposed facility is being developed in the riverine (diara) area of Patna, on five acres of land allotted east of the Digha–Sonepur Bridge. The site has been secured with barbed wire fencing mounted on six-foot concrete pillars, and preliminary construction activity has begun.
According to project details, the centre will cater to vessels used for cargo transportation and river tourism. It will be equipped to repair up to four ships at a time. A mechanical lift system will allow damaged vessels to be raised from the river and placed in an open yard for maintenance before being lowered back into the water once repairs are complete.
Officials say the new hub will reduce dependence on distant repair facilities in Kolkata or Varanasi, cutting both costs and turnaround time for vessel operators. The move is expected to strengthen inland water transport in Bihar and support expanding trade along the river corridor.
Alongside construction, dredging work is under way near the proposed shipyard to deepen the river channel. Heavy machinery is operating round the clock to remove silt and improve navigability, while land levelling is being carried out at the project site. Authorities believe the combined measures — including the introduction of floating jetties — could position the Ganga as a more viable and commercially active waterway in the region.
