Patna: The state govt has stepped up efforts to develop inland water transport on the Ganga (National Waterway-1) and Gandak (National Waterway-37) rivers, with NOCs received for 16 of the 17 proposed community jetty sites on NW-1 and construction of 10 steel jetties already underway.The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is developing the jetties to strengthen passenger and cargo movement across the state. The approved locations include sites in Patna, Vaishali, Saran, Samastipur, Begusarai, Bhagalpur and Ara. The NOC for the proposed site near NIT-Patna is still pending.On NW-37 on the Gandak river, two jetties have been proposed in West Champaran district. However, NOCs are yet to be received as govt land is not available at the identified locations.The facilities are being developed to ensure safe movement of passengers and goods and to make boarding and disembarkation easier. After construction and two years of successful operation, the IWAI hands them over to Bihar Inland Water Transport (IWT).Transport department secretary Raj Kumar said there are currently 21 community jetties on NW-1 across 11 districts, benefiting farmers, fishermen, traders and local residents living along riverbanks.He said the jetties help reduce transportation costs, promote environment-friendly transport and ease pressure on roads. According to the department, Bihar is steadily emerging as a key hub for inland water transport.
