Waterway fares fixed during Vikramshila Setu closure

Bhagalpur: The Bhagalpur district administration has fixed rates for waterway ferries and cargo services during the closure of Vikramshila Setu till Dec 31. The services are aimed at easing movement between the two sides of the river. The rates were finalised after considering financial quotations and proposals received for operating ferries and cargo vessels.Nine agencies had submitted proposals, following which the rates were finalised by the district committee with vessel operators. The assessment was necessitated by the large number of people, including milkmen, banana and vegetable sellers, commuting between Naugachia and Bhagalpur daily.A consensus was reached on a fare of Rs 35 per passenger and Rs 50 per motorcycle. The vessel operator will not collect fares from passengers with payments to be made by the govt based on the number of passengers or the vessels’ carrying capacity. The service will be free for children below 12 years, bicycles and ambulances.The fare for three-wheelers has been fixed at Rs 150, loaded tractors at Rs 500 and unloaded tractors at Rs 250. Pickup vans will be charged Rs 600 when loaded and Rs 300 when unloaded, while four-wheelers will be charged Rs 700 and loaded 10-wheelers Rs 3,800. Twelve-wheelers, 14-wheelers, 16-wheelers and 18-wheelers will be charged Rs 4,400, Rs 4,500, Rs 4,800 and Rs 5,000 respectively.Seventy per cent of the fare will be paid to vessel operators as reimbursement, while 30% will be deposited under the relevant govt account head. Bhagalpur DM Alankrita Pandey said the district administration had issued necessary instructions to officials and operators to ensure smooth, safe and organised operation of the alternative ferry and cargo service while Vikramshila Setu remains closed for permanent repair and restructuring.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Patna | Silver Rate in Patna | Bank Holidays in Patna | Public Holidays in Patna | Patna AQI | Weather in Patna | Petrol Price in Patna | Diesel Price in Patna | CNG Price in Patna | LPG Price in PatnaStay updated with the latest Patna news. Download the TOI App.