Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday flagged off a free steamer ferry service between Nasriganj Ghat in Danapur and Panapur Ghat in diara area of Patna district, a move aimed at improving connectivity for riverine settlements along the Ganga river.According to a communique issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the service will benefit residents of six gram panchayats in Danapur diara area, covering a population of more than 66,000. Choudhary said the Nasriganj-Panapur ferry would make daily movement easier, reduce risks during river crossings and help accelerate local economic activity. He added that the steamer service would be operated free of cost.After flagging off the service, Choudhary inspected the steamer and interacted with passengers on board. Local public representatives and residents welcomed him with bouquets and flower garlands.The need for safer transport in the area had drawn attention two years ago when a govt schoolteacher fell into the swollen Ganga river at Nasriganj Ghat while preparing to cross over to his school in the flood-prone diara area. He was swept away, triggering anger and protests among local teachers.The CMO said 58 schools are currently functioning in the diara area, where 553 teachers and staff are posted. In addition, 190 sevikas and sahayikas work at 95 Anganwadi centres, while three health sub-centres and panchayat offices also operate there. The ferry service is expected to ease commuting for teachers, school staff, Anganwadi workers, health personnel and panchayat employees.Officials said farmers, vegetable and fruit growers and sellers, and milk producers and vendors would also benefit from improved access to Danapur. The service is expected to be especially useful during the monsoon, when the pontoon bridge across the Ganga river is usually unavailable. The bridge generally operates from Nov to June 15 and is removed during the remaining period, forcing residents to undertake difficult and risky river crossings.Earlier, Patna district magistrate Kundan Kumar briefed the CM on the ferry operations. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Chaudhary; cooperative minister Ramkripal Yadav; MLC Anamika Singh; principal secretary Deepak Kumar; secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh and citizens attended the launch of the service.
