Patna. The state government of Bihar is preparing to roll out a seven‑kilometre ropeway that will stretch across the Ganga, joining the lively Marine Drive stretch of Patna with the revered Hariharnath Temple in Sonpur. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary disclosed at the Rising Bihar Investor Summit 2026 that site work could begin in the next five months.
Public‑Private Partnership powers the venture
The project is being framed as a Public‑Private Partnership (PPP). While the overall concept has been approved, key parameters – such as the exact alignment, station layouts, total investment outlay and technical specifications – are still under detailed study.
A boost for pilgrimage tourism
Targeted primarily at devotees travelling to Hariharnath Temple, the ropeway will provide a swift, scenic alternative to traditional river crossings. The scheme aligns with Bihar’s wider plan to modernise tourism infrastructure, making holy sites more reachable for pilgrims from Patna and beyond.
State officials are also evaluating similar ropeway concepts for other religious hubs, notably a proposed link between Ajgaivinath Dham in Sultanganj and Aguwani Ganga Ghat in Bhagalpur.
Investor summit highlights growth avenues
During the summit, CM Choudhary urged business leaders to explore Bihar’s fertile investment climate, pointing to opportunities in infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and food processing. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari attended the event, reaffirming the centre’s support for Bihar’s infrastructure push.
Flood control stays on the agenda
The chief minister also used his address to draw attention to the state’s persistent flood woes. He called for long‑term measures to regulate upstream water flow, reinforce Ganga embankments, and capture monsoon runoff for use in drought‑prone districts later in the year.
Roadmap for the ropeway project
With the Patna‑Sonpur ropeway poised to combine improved river connectivity with tourism growth, the immediate priority is to finalise engineering designs, lock in private partners and secure all regulatory clearances before breaking ground.
