February 24, 2014
WB Govt to launch river cruise services from Kolkata to Patna
Tourists will now be able to enjoy a river cruise from Kolkata to Patna. This new soon-to-be-launched service by the West Bengal Transport Department will promote many of the less visited areas of West Bengal among both domestic and foreign tourists.
The state government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Assam Bengal Navigation, one of the oldest operators of luxury river cruise in the east. “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kept insisting on projecting the myriad facets of Bengal culture through heritage cruise along the Ganges. We have already started some river cruises. But we are all set to take a major step forward on Saturday. The luxury vessel will touch upon Bengal`s major heritage spots on its way to Patna,” said Transport Minister Madan Mitra. After the introduction of helicopter services, exploring the waterway, which has remained highly under-utilized till now, was the need of the hour, added the minister.
M V Rajmahal, the vessel with restaurants, bar, saloon and spa, will start its journey from Millennium Park jetty. It would briefly stop at Barrackpore, Chandernagore, Kalna, Nabadwip, Mayapur, Plassey, Murshidabad, Farakka and further up at Bhagalpur, Monghyr and Patna.
The government is a facilitator here. It facilitates the operators with berthing and other statutory clearances in shortest possible time. The vessel will use Millennium Park jetty belonging to West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC).
