Agreement between IWAI & Bihar Tourism Department for Ganga River Cruise Tourism | 26 Jul 2023

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 24, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Bihar Tourism Department to promote river cruise tourism in the River Ganga in Bihar. Under this, two vessels named Ro Pax Vessel with a capacity of 300-300 tourists will run in Patna and Bhagalpur.

Key Points:

  • The MoU was signed by Nand Kishore, Managing Director, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation and K.L. Rajak, Director, Inland Waterways Authority of India in the presence of Tourism Department Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh.
  • According to the MoU, tourist cruises, auspicious events and social gatherings as well as other meetings can be organized on this vessel.
  • The first vessel will operate between Janardan Ghat, Digha, Patna to Kangan Ghat, Patna City in Patna and the second between Kahalgaon, Sultanganj, Bateshwar in Bhagalpur and Dolphin Sanctuary of Vikram shila.
  • A total of two vessels (Ro Pax Vessel) with a capacity of 300 tourists each will be operated in Patna and Bhagalpur. This vessel will take a tour of the Ganga Ghats of Patna and Bhagalpur at a speed of about 15 km (about 9.32 mi) per hour.
  • While walking through this vessel, tourists will also be able to see many tourist places. For example, tourists will be able to visit Sri Harimandir Sahib Gurudwara through Kangan Ghat of Patna. At the same time, tourists in Bhagalpur will also be able to visit the Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary while visiting the Ganga Ghats. Within two weeks, Ro-Pax will reach Vesel, Patna and Bhagalpur.
  • The IWAI director said that within two weeks of the MoU, Ro-Pax vessels will reach Patna and Bhagalpur. After this, its operation can be started.
  • BSTDC Managing Director said that the tender process for the operation of both cruises is going on. The cruise operations will be started from the tourism point of view by completing all the formal procedures as soon as possible.