Patna: The Bihar government is planning to develop an industrial corridor stretching approximately 400 kilometres along the Ganga, connecting Buxar with Bhagalpur. The proposal also includes developing new townships at selected locations along both banks of the river.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary shared the plan during a programme focused on the Ganga water agreement and Bihar’s water security. The proposed development involves river desiltation, road construction and embankments, alongside the development of urban settlements along the corridor.
400-Km Corridor Proposed Between Buxar and Bhagalpur
The proposed industrial corridor will extend along the Ganga between Buxar and Bhagalpur, covering a stretch of approximately 400 kilometres.
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According to the plan outlined by the Chief Minister, the development would include:
- River desiltation: Removal of accumulated silt from the Ganga.
- Road infrastructure: Construction of roads along both banks of the river.
- Embankments: Development of embankments along the proposed stretch.
- New townships: Development of townships at selected locations between Buxar and Bhagalpur.
- Riverside housing: The proposed townships could include river-facing residential properties.
The government has presented the corridor as part of its broader development plans for the state.
Bihar Plans to Use River Silt for Infrastructure Development
A key component of the proposal is the utilisation of silt removed from the Ganga.
The state government has already formulated a silt policy and is seeking a national-level policy to support wider utilisation of the material. It also plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the use of silt in road construction.
According to the announcement, the agreement is scheduled to be signed on December 12, with Bihar’s interests to be given priority.
The state also plans to conduct an aerial survey of the Ganga as part of the proposed exercise.
Chief Minister Calls for a Long-Term Solution to Flooding
Speaking at the programme, Choudhary said Bihar’s rivers and population should not be viewed as weaknesses. He emphasised the importance of managing water resources to meet the state’s agricultural, industrial and domestic requirements.
He identified three major areas of water demand:
- Irrigation for agricultural fields.
- Water supply for industrial activities.
- Drinking water requirements.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for a permanent approach to addressing recurring floods and improving water security.
Ganga Water Agreement and State’s Water Security
The proposed industrial corridor was outlined in the context of discussions on the Ganga water agreement and Bihar’s water security.
The Chief Minister said the agreement would remain a priority, given the importance of river water for irrigation, industries and drinking water supply.
The proposed corridor, river desiltation and infrastructure development form part of the state’s broader plans to utilise the Ganga and its surrounding areas for development.
The Bihar government is expected to take forward the preparatory steps, including the proposed agreement with NHAI and the aerial survey of the river.
