The National Technology Center for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras has been tasked with designing the structural layout for the new Patna Dry Dock, as noted by Iwai Director Arvind Kumar. A detailed project report is anticipated by March 2026, with construction expected to commence by August of that year.
This dry dock will serve as the only facility between Kolkata and Varanasi, enabling crucial inspections and repairs for over 50 vessels, including tugboats and passenger ships operating on National Waterways 1 and 2, as well as routes connecting Brahmaputra and Bangladesh. Currently, shipping companies face high transport costs of over ₹40 lakh per trip to Bengalen for such services.
The new facility will alleviate these financial burdens, allowing for more regular inspections at reduced costs every four years. Additionally, the project aims to boost regional income and employment, benefitting both Bihar’s tourism department and private shipping sectors. Once operational, the dry dock is expected to enhance freight and passenger transport, further supporting trade and tourism along the Ganga region.
The news of Patna’s upcoming dry dock highlights its significance in the maritime landscape between Kolkata and Varanasi.
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