Administration rolls out free boat services after bridge collapse

Bhagalpur: Following the collapse of a section of the RCC slab of Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga river and the disruption of traffic between Bhagalpur and north Bihar and northeastern states since Sunday, the district administration has initiated emergency measures to restore connectivity.

Bhagalpur district magistrate (DM) Nawal Kishor Chaudhary, along with officials, inspected river embankments on Tuesday by motorboat between Barari Ghat in Bhagalpur and Mahadevpur Ghat in Naugachia to assess risks and explore the feasibility of temporary water transport.

To ease movement, the administration has introduced free govt boat services from 5am to 5pm. Registered private boats will also operate under strict supervision with fares fixed by the administration for passengers and vehicles.

Arrangements for lighting, barricading, drinking water, medical aid and security personnel have been put in place at the ghats. Divers have been deployed on boats to ensure commuter safety. The public has been directed to follow capacity limits displayed on each boat and avoid boarding overloaded vessels.

The DM said, “Govt-operated boats and jetty services are being provided free of cost from 5am to 5pm between Barari Ghat at Bhagalpur and Mahadevpur Ghat at Naugachia.” He added, “Private boats and jetties will also be allowed to operate, but they must undergo registration, and the administration has determined the applicable fares such as Rs 25 for commuters below 12-years of age, Rs 50 for above 12-years, Rs 20 for cycle and Rs 50 for motorcycles.”

Boats will run at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes to meet demand. “Our endeavour is to ensure travellers do not face any kind of inconvenience,” Chaudhary said.

A meeting at Samiksha Bhawan finalised additional arrangements, including private bus services up to Barari Ghat and designated parking. The system will operate from 5am to 7pm with last-mile connectivity through autos and e-rickshaws at displayed fares.

“All operations are under administrative supervision. Executive magistrates have been deployed, and the entire arrangement is being carried out according to rules as safety of commuters are our top priority,” he said.
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