Patna: Patna has introduced an open-top double-decker bus service along the JP Ganga Path, offering residents and tourists a unique way to experience the city’s cultural and historical landmarks. The initiative, inaugurated by Bihar’s Tourism Minister Raju Kumar Singh, aims to promote local tourism and provide a scenic view of the Ganges, including the newly started Ganga Aarti.
The 40-seat bus, featuring 20 seats on each level, is equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, a fridge, microwave, bathroom, and a panic button for emergencies. It can travel at speeds of 20-25 km per hour and is designed with a rooftop open deck to allow passengers unobstructed views of the city.
The route covers around 15.5 km, taking visitors from Digha Rotary to Kagan Ghat and back, passing prominent sites including JP Ganga Path Golambar, Sabhyata Dwar, Darbhanga House, Gandhi Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Chitragupt Temple, and Kagan Ghat. A guide will accompany passengers on board, providing information about the landmarks along the way.
Fares have been set at Rs 100 per person for a round trip, with one-way journeys costing Rs 50. The bus service will operate from 5 pm to 10 pm, with plans to run during the daytime in winter months. In addition to regular sightseeing, the bus can be booked for small gatherings or birthday celebrations, with breakfast packets available on request.
Tourism Minister Singh highlighted that the bus is part of broader efforts by various departments in Bihar to develop creative initiatives that promote tourism and city engagement. “This service will allow people, especially residents of Patna, to enjoy the Ganges in a new and immersive way,” he said.
Nand Kishore, Managing Director of Bihar Tourism, added that the bus had received the necessary permits from the Transport Department and has been specially designed to combine comfort with an enhanced sightseeing experience.
