Bihar is set to develop seven national waterways, including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Sone, to enhance inland trade and transport.

Shrawan Kumar, the state's Rural Development and Transport Minister, highlighted that these waterways, spanning a total of 1,187 km, will be developed to position Bihar as a major hub for inland water transport. He emphasised that water transport is a cost-effective alternative to road and rail, with the average freight transport cost by waterway being Rs 1.3 per tonne-km, compared to Rs 2.41 by rail and Rs 3.62 by road. “This will not only reduce transportation costs but also decrease road traffic by 30-40 per cent,” Minister Kumar said. The state also plans to open training institutes in Buxar, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga to build skilled manpower for this sector.

Additionally, dredging will be carried out on the Kosi and Sone rivers to ensure smooth navigation. nland waterways are being promoted under the Sagarmala scheme, with collaboration from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, IWAI, and NINI. Plans include reorganizing the Inland Water Transport Department and establishing a Bihar Maritime Board.