Cruise Service Launched on Ganges in Bhagalpur Following Vikramshila Bridge Closure

Bhagalpur, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : A cruise service has commenced on the Ganges River in Bhagalpur, Bihar, following the closure of the Vikramshila Bridge for repairs. The bridge was shut down at midnight as part of a government directive, and it will remain closed for three months.

The new cruise operations began on Thursday from the Biada Ghat in the Barari Industrial Area. Bhagalpur District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey and Senior Superintendent of Police Pramod Yadav were present to oversee the launch.

To ensure safety during this transition, police set up barricades around the bridge. District Magistrate Pandey inspected the cruise operations, focusing on passenger safety, available facilities at the ghat, and overall law and order.

“We have completed all necessary preparations,” Pandey stated. “As you can see, we have arranged for larger and more secure cruise vessels. The service for passengers is free, while there will be charges for motorcycles and other items, with a revenue-sharing ratio of 70:30.”

She also mentioned that police and administrative officials would be stationed on the boats for security, along with disaster management personnel.

SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav added that a control room has been established nearby, with a temporary police station set up to ensure 24-hour police presence. “We have deployed around 60 personnel today,” he noted. Each cruise will have a police officer, two constables, and an administrative official on board for added security.

Local residents and passengers expressed their satisfaction with the new service, thanking the Bihar government, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and the Bhagalpur administration for their efforts.