Coal and stone consignments from Sahibganj are set to be transported through the Ganga waterway to Patna and later extended to Varanasi. A detailed proposal has been sent to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), paving the way for cargo ships to replace trucks on this busy industrial corridor. Officials said the new service would start from Sahibganj to Patna before being expanded further upstream.
Also Read: Adani Power Received LoA from BSPGCL for Thermal project in Bhagalpur
Currently, coal and stone chips are hauled by road, which involves higher costs and longer travel time. Authorities believe shifting bulk cargo to the river route will bring down transportation expenses significantly. NTPC’s Barh and Barauni thermal power stations are expected to be the immediate beneficiaries of the move. Recently, IWAI teams carried out site inspections of nearby coal mines and stone crusher units around Sahibganj to assess operational readiness.
The proposal also includes construction of multiple jetties between Sahibganj and Patna. These small landing points will allow smooth loading and unloading of cargo along the route, adding a commercial advantage to riverside towns. Traders and industrial units in Bhagalpur and the wider Ganga basin are expecting major gains once the waterway becomes operational.
Also Read: Nitin Gadkari Unveils Mega Road Plan for Jharkhand, Promises World-Class Highways in Jharkhand
New Push After Office Shift
The Bhagalpur sub-office of IWAI, reopened this February after eight years, has been steering the initiative. Earlier managed from Sahibganj, the office was shifted to Bhagalpur after the regional office was set up in Varanasi. Officials noted that several pending projects have gained momentum since then, with waterways seen as a cost-efficient and sustainable alternative for cargo movement in eastern India.
Also Read: MP Sanjay Seth Highlighted Rs. 4,224 Crores Rail Projects for Ranchi, Criticized State Government
Join the WhatsApp Group of Business Jharkhand to Stay tuned for all the latest updates of industrial-political developments in Jharkhand.
