The long-awaited water transport service at Kalughat in Sonepur is finally ready to begin full operations in March 2026. This new terminal will directly connect Bihar and Nepal to Haldia in West Bengal via the river route, making trade much easier. Transport Minister Shravan Kumar recently visited the site to inspect the work and directed officials to finish the last remaining preparations immediately. Built at a cost of roughly Rs 82.48 crore, this terminal is located on the banks of the Ganga River and is set to become a major hub for business in the region.
Cheaper Transport and Big Savings for Traders
One of the main reasons for this project is to lower the cost of moving goods. Transporting heavy cargo through the river is much cheaper than using trucks or trains. The government data shows that moving goods by water costs only 50 paise per kilometer, which is significantly less than road transport. Additionally, the government has introduced the Jalvahak Scheme, where cargo owners can get a 35% reimbursement on costs if they shift from road to water transport.
| Mode of Transport | Cost (per tonne-km) | Emissions (CO2) |
|---|---|---|
| Waterways | ₹ 0.5 | 15 grams |
| Railways | ₹ 1.0 | 28 grams |
| Roadways | ₹ 1.5 | 64 grams |
This terminal has the capacity to handle about 77,000 containers every year. It features a large storage yard spread over 2,895 square meters, ensuring that goods coming from Nepal or other parts of Bihar can be stored safely before being loaded onto ships.
New Buses and Better Connectivity
To support this new terminal, the state government is also improving road connectivity in the area. Officials have announced the rollout of 150 to 175 new electric and CNG buses starting in March 2026. These buses will provide easy access between the Kalughat terminal and nearby industrial areas. This move is expected to reduce traffic jams on the highways and help goods reach the terminal faster.
The Kalughat terminal is now officially part of the Bihar-Nepal-Haldia trade corridor. Goods arriving from Nepal by road will be loaded onto ships here and sent to Haldia, while large containers will also return via the same route. This system will not only save money for businessmen but also create new jobs for locals in Saran and Patna districts.
