Bhagalpur administration fixes ferry, cargo vessel fares after Vikramshila Setu collapse

Bhagalpur: In the wake of the collapse of RCC slab of the Vikramshila Setu on May 4, the Bhagalpur district administration has fixed fares for cargo vessels, ferries and boats transporting passengers and goods across the river Ganga between Barari ghat (Bhagalpur), Babupur (Sabour) ghat, Kahalgaon ghat, Mahadevpur (Jahanvi Chowk) ghat and Tintanga Karari (Gopalpur) ghat.The administration, in consultation with stakeholders, has also decided to rope in 14 additional cargo vessels and eight ferries operated by private shipping agencies to facilitate movement of commuters as well as transportation of goods and materials. These services will supplement the existing govt ferries, boats and registered private vessels operating in the region.The cargo vessel service was introduced following demands from daily commuters, milkmen, banana and vegetable sellers, office-goers and teachers who regularly travel between Bhagalpur and Naugachia for work and trade. The vessels will also transport small commercial vehicles, including tractors, vans, small trucks and medical ambulances across the river.The collapse of the RCC slab of the Vikramshila Setu has disrupted connectivity between Bhagalpur and the Seemanchal region of north Bihar, snapping a crucial road link between south and north Bihar.Bhagalpur DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary said the fare for loaded 18-wheeler has been fixed at Rs5,000 and unloaded 18-wheeler at Rs2,500. The rates for loaded and unloaded 16-wheeler have been fixed at Rs4,800 and Rs2,400 respectively, while loaded 14-wheeler will pay Rs4,500 and unloaded ones Rs2,250. The fare for loaded 12-wheeler has been fixed at Rs4,400 and unloaded at Rs2,200, while loaded 10-wheeler will pay Rs3,800 and unloaded ones Rs1,900.Passenger fares on private ferries and boats have been fixed at Rs25 for children below 12 years and Rs50 for persons above 12 years of age. Charges for transporting bicycles and motorcycles have been fixed at Rs20 and Rs50 respectively.The DM said transportation of medical ambulances on private cargo vessels and ferries has been made free “as part of a humanitarian approach”. Private operators have been directed to ensure priority passage for ambulances carrying patients.