Ganga River Cruise to Resume in Patna from March; ₹50 Lakh Spent on Renovation — Route and Fare Details

Patna: Tourists in Bihar have a reason to rejoice. The Ganga River cruise in Patna is set to sail again from the first week of March. The cruise, with a capacity to accommodate 300 passengers at a time, promises a unique river travel experience. Here’s what you need to know about the cruise’s route and fares.

The Ro-Pax vessel cruise, MV Swami Parmahans, which will operate under the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), is resuming its services after undergoing extensive repairs and technical inspections at a dry dock center in Kolkata over the past five months.

₹50 Lakh Spent on Repairs

Around ₹50 lakh have been spent to ensure the technical safety and reliability of the cruise. According to regulations, every five years, vessels undergo mandatory dry-docking for a comprehensive check of engines, navigation systems, and the exterior structure. Once the cruise leaves Kolkata, it is expected to reach Diha Ghat in Patna by the end of February.

History of the Cruise in Patna

The MV Swami Parmahans was gifted by the Central Government to promote river tourism in Bihar. Its official operations in Patna began on 22 August 2023, following an agreement between the state tourism department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

Route of the Patna Ganga River Cruise

The massive cruise, capable of carrying 300 passengers, sails at a speed of 15 km/h along the Ganga. It operates from Diha Ghat to Meenar Ghat and JP Setu, offering tourists stunning views of Patna’s historic and scenic ghats. A complete round trip takes approximately 45 minutes.

Fares and Private Packages

The ticket prices remain the same as before. A standard ride costs ₹250 per person. For private events such as birthday parties or ring ceremonies on the cruise, BSTDC has set package rates as follows:

• 1 hour: ₹30,000
• 2 hours: ₹50,000
• 4 hours: ₹1,00,000
• 6 hours: ₹1,25,000
• 8 hours: ₹1,50,000

With the cruise resuming operations, Patna’s river tourism is expected to receive a significant boost, offering both locals and tourists a unique way to experience the city’s iconic riverfront.