Patna: The river cruise service on the Ganga in Patna is set to resume operations in the first week of March, following extensive repairs costing around Rs 50 lakh, officials from the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) said.
The Ro-Pax vessel, which has become a key attraction for river tourism in the state capital, had been sent to a dry dock facility in Kolkata for mandatory technical and structural maintenance. The refit, which took nearly five months, included inspections and upgrades to the engine, navigation systems and overall structure to meet safety standards.
According to BSTDC officials, dry docking is required every five years to ensure passenger safety and the vessel’s seaworthiness. After the completion of final technical and safety checks, the cruise is expected to be dispatched from Kolkata and reach Digha Ghat in Patna by the end of February.
The vessel, MV Swami Paramhans, was gifted by the central government to Bihar to promote inland waterway tourism. River cruise operations in Patna formally began on August 22, 2023 following an agreement between the state tourism department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India. Since then, the service has emerged as a distinctive feature of the city’s tourism offering.
With a capacity of around 300 passengers, the cruise operates from Digha Ghat, passing prominent ghats including Minar Ghat, before returning after crossing the JP Setu. The 45-minute journey, at an average speed of about 15km per hour, offers views of Patna’s riverfront and historic landmarks from the Ganges.
The fare for general passengers has been fixed at Rs 250 for the standard trip. The tourism department will also offer package bookings for private events, with prices starting at Rs 30,000 for one hour and going up to Rs 1.5 lakh for an eight-hour booking.
Officials said they expect the resumption of the service to provide a fresh boost to tourism and recreational activities along the Patna riverfront.
