Patna. The Bihar administration is poised to commission a seven‑kilometre ropeway that will stretch across the Ganga, linking the lively Marine Drive stretch of Patna with the revered Hariharnath Temple at Sonpur. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary disclosed at the Rising Bihar Investor Summit 2026 that ground‑breaking work could begin within the next five months.
Public‑Private Partnership fuels the venture
The project is being structured under a PPP model. While the overall concept has been approved, key specifics—such as the exact alignment, station layouts, total capital outlay and engineering details—are still under detailed examination.
Enhancing pilgrimage and tourism flow
Targeted primarily at devotees heading to Hariharnath Temple, the aerial link will offer a swift, scenic alternative to conventional river crossings. The scheme aligns with Bihar’s wider strategy to upgrade tourism infrastructure, making its holy sites more reachable for travelers from Patna and beyond.
State officials are also exploring similar ropeway proposals at other pilgrimage hubs, notably a potential connection between Ajgaivinath Dham in Sultanganj and Aguwani Ganga Ghat in Bhagalpur.
Investor summit highlights growth priorities
During the summit, CM Choudhary urged business leaders to tap into Bihar’s robust 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 central government’s resolve to back Bihar’s infrastructure ambitions.
Flood mitigation remains a parallel focus
The chief minister also used his address to underline the state’s persistent flood challenges. He called for long‑term measures to manage upstream water inflows, reinforce river 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 set to blend improved river connectivity with tourism growth, the immediate agenda shifts to finalising technical designs, locking in private partners and securing all necessary clearances before construction can commence.
