Promoting river cruise tourism in Bihar and creating 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. Two vessels, each capable of accommodating up to 300 tourists,
will operate in Patna and Bhagalpur. The
vessels are expected to arrive in Patna and Bhagalpur within the next two weeks.
Both the vessels will be new attractions for cruise tourism in the
state, allowing tourists to organize various events like social gatherings and
meetings.
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.
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.
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.