Great news has come for the people of Patna and tourists visiting the city. The river cruise service on the Ganga River has officially started again. The famous vessel ‘Swami Paramhans’ (MV Swami Paramhans) is back in the water after undergoing major repairs. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) is managing the operations. This service offers a great opportunity to enjoy the view of the riverfront and the Ganga Aarti from the water. The cruise had been away for maintenance for about five months.
Ticket Prices and Booking Rates
The authorities have kept the ticket prices affordable for the common public. A single ticket costs 250 rupees per person. This ticket allows you to enjoy a ride for about 40 to 45 minutes on the river. Apart from general tickets, people can also book the entire cruise for private events like birthdays, engagements, or office meetings. The rates for full booking are fixed based on time.
- 1 Hour: 30,000 rupees
- 2 Hours: 50,000 rupees
- 4 Hours: 1,00,000 rupees
- 8 Hours: 1,50,000 rupees (Maximum duration)
Route and Timing Details
The cruise runs between Digha Ghat (Janardan Ghat) and Minar Ghat. It takes passengers near the JP Setu and brings them back. Currently, the service is operating mainly in the evening hours. According to Captain Rahul, the cruise in-charge, the number of trips will be increased as more passengers start visiting. The ship has returned from a dry dock center in Kolkata where it spent five months for necessary repairs. The government spent around 50 lakh rupees to update its engine, navigation systems, and safety features.
Safety and Facilities On Board
The ‘Swami Paramhans’ cruise has a capacity to carry 300 passengers at a time. However, for private parties, the limit is sometimes restricted to 200 people to ensure enough space. The vessel has two levels. The lower deck is fully air-conditioned with comfortable sofa seating and audio-visual systems. The upper deck is open, allowing people to feel the fresh air and see the river clearly. Safety is strictly followed with life jackets and a trained crew available on board. Also, strict rules are in place, and consumption of alcohol or drugs is completely banned on the ship.
