Patna: Ready for an unforgettable evening by the side of river Ganga. Get set to soak in the city’s past and present, gliding through the serene banks of Ganga, with evening breeze brushing past you. To offer tourists and residents alike an enhanced facility for sightseeing along the picturesque JP Ganga Path, tourism minister Raju Kumar Singh on Tuesday launched an open double-decker bus service on a 15.5-kilometre stretch from Paryatak Ghat to Kangan Ghat. On way, the bus stops at iconic spots like JP Ganga Path golambhar, Sabhyata Dwar, Darbhanga House, Gandhi Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi Setu and Adi Chitragupt temple.The minister said that the bus service will allow tourists to explore the Ganga and its ancient ghats in Patna, providing them with a unique experience. “Initially, only one bus will operate, but if there is a good response from tourists, more buses will be added. This bus service is a significant step towards making Patna more attractive on the tourism map,” Singh said.Nand Kishore, managing director of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, said soon they will introduce booking packages for birthdays and other events on the bus, allowing residents to enjoy events along the JP Ganga Path.The bus, a 40-seater with 20 seats on air-conditioned lower deck and 20 on the open upper deck, is packed with modern comforts — cozy seats, a fridge, microwave, washroom, GPS, first aid and a speed governor. Also, a panic button has been installed for passenger safety, which will provide immediate help in case of an emergency.A knowledgeable guide would ride along, sharing stories about Patna’s rich history and culture as the bus passes through places like Sabhyata Dwar, Darbhanga House, several prominent ghats like Kangan Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi Setu and Chitragupt temple. Food is also available on request.The fare is set at Rs 100 per person for a round trip (from Digha Rotary to Kangan Ghat and back) and Rs 50 per head for a single trip. The bus will operate from 5pm to 10pm, with daytime rides planned for winter. The bus travels at a gentle speed of 20-25km/hr, letting passengers soak in the city’s sights from the open rooftop.With Ganga ‘aarti’ already enchanting crowds, this double-decker bus is expected to add to the delight of exploring Patna’s charm. Chief engineer Sunil Kumar Suman, transport manager Ratnesh Kumar and other departmental officials were present during the inauguration ceremony.
