In a bid to promote river cruise tourism in Bihar and create new centres of attraction for tourists in Patna and Bhagalpur, the state tourism department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday.
The MoU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Abhay Kumar Singh, secretary of the state tourism department, and saw Nand Kishor, managing director of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), and L K Rajak, director of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), putting pen to paper. Two vessels, each capable of accommodating up to 300 tourists, will operate in Patna and Bhagalpur, as a result of the MoU.
“Both the vessels will be new attractions for cruise tourism in the state, allowing tourists to organize various events like social gatherings and meetings,” Singh said.
One of the vessels will navigate between Janardan Ghat near Digha, Patna (west of J P Setu), and Kangan Ghat in Patna City. Patna’s attractions will also include visit to Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib.
Following the success of the Ganga Vilas’ maiden journey in 2023, Antara Cruises now plans to bring Catamaran Cruises to Odisha by November this year. According to Raj Singh, Founder Chairman, Antara Luxury River Cruises, the cruise will navigate the landscapes in and around Bhitarkanika National Park. It will also allow guests to explore the beautiful beaches dotting the area, he shared.
The second vessel will connect Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary via Bhagalpur’s Kahalgaon, Sultanganj, and Bateshwar. During the cruises, tourists will be treated to a leisurely tour of the Ganga ghats of Patna and Bhagalpur at an approximate speed of 15km per hour.Rajak, director of IWAI, said, “The vessels are expected to arrive in Patna and Bhagalpur within the next two weeks.”
BSTDC MD Nand Kishor said, “The tender process for the cruise operations is underway. Once all formalities are completed, the cruises will be promptly launched to boost tourism in the region.”
To facilitate the smooth functioning of the river cruise tourism, a total of 45,000sq ft of land near Janardan Ghat, Digha, Patna and Marine Drive overbridge pillar nos. 195 to 200 at Kangan Ghat, Patna City has been designated for parking of the vessel.
The construction work is completed, including permanent ramps, jetties and ladders to ensure a seamless experience for tourists.
