Charting a New Course: Bihar’s 7-River Masterplan

Bihar plans to develop seven national waterways, including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Sone rivers, to strengthen inland trade and transportation in the state.

State Rural Development and Transport Minister Shrawan Kumar said the waterways, spanning a combined length of 1,187 km, will be developed to position Bihar as a major hub for inland water transport. He noted that water transport is a cost-effective alternative to road and rail, with freight costs averaging ₹1.30 per tonne-km by waterways, compared with ₹2.41 by rail and ₹3.62 by road. “This initiative will not only lower transportation costs but also reduce road traffic by 30–40%,” the minister said.

To support the sector, the state plans to establish training institutes in Buxar, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga to create a skilled workforce. Dredging works will also be undertaken on the Kosi and Sone rivers to ensure smooth navigation.

The development of inland waterways is being pursued under the Sagarmala programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and the National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI). The state also plans to reorganise its Inland Water Transport Department and set up a Bihar Maritime Board.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.