Major Announcements by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary While Inaugurating Shravani Mela in Sultanganj; Declaration of Several Major Development Gifts Including an International Airport, Vikramshila, and 'Anga Township' in the Region
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: Arriving in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur district, for the formal inauguration of the world-famous and historic Shravani Mela, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary addressed a massive public gathering after offering prayers on the northward-flowing Ganges bank. During this, he not only reviewed the facilities and security arrangements for lakhs of Shiva devotees arriving from across the country and abroad but also made several historic and visionary declarations for the all-around development of Bhagalpur and the Anga region. The Deputy Chief Minister announced multiple ambitious projects to establish Sultanganj on the international religious tourism map, generating immense enthusiasm among local residents and business owners.
Construction of an International-Standard Airport in Sultanganj
Making his biggest announcement during his address, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated that keeping religious tourism and the globally rising influx of pilgrims in view, an international-standard airport will be developed in Sultanganj.
The establishment of this airport will make it exceptionally convenient for Shiva devotees and tourists arriving from various states across the country as well as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other nations to reach Sultanganj and Baba Baidyanath Dham.
This is considered a historic step by the Bihar government toward promoting religious and cultural tourism, which will transform the economic landscape of this entire region.
Development of 'Vikramshila Township' in Nathnagar and 'Anga Township' in Munger-Bariarpur
To foster industrialization, urbanization, and generate new employment opportunities in the region, the Deputy Chief Minister announced the creation of modern townships:
Vikramshila Township: A modern 'Vikramshila Township' equipped with education, culture, and modern residential facilities will be developed near the historical heritage site of Vikramshila in the Nathnagar area.
Anga Township: Additionally, the construction of an 'Anga Township' was announced in the Bariarpur-Munger region, which will accelerate commercial activities and township development in this segment of the Anga region. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish new industrial corridors in Goradih and Asarganj.
Giving New Momentum to Connectivity and Transport: Marine Drive, Ropeway, and Bridge Construction
Several major infrastructure projects were announced to alleviate traffic congestion and commuting problems during the Shravani Mela and to ensure sustainable development:
Aguwani-Sultanganj Ganga Bridge: Regarding the construction work of the long-awaited Aguwani-Sultanganj Ganga bridge, the DyCM clarified that this project will be completed under all circumstances before December 31, 2027.
83-Km Long Ganga Path (Marine Drive): An approximately 83-kilometer-long Ganga Path (Marine Drive) will be developed from Munger to Bhagalpur, making travel extremely seamless.
Ropeway from Ajgainath Ghat to Aguwani Ghat: A state-of-the-art ropeway will be constructed between Ajgainath Dham and Aguwani Ghat for the attraction and smooth movement of pilgrims and tourists.
Four-Lane Road and Railway Line: The construction of a four-lane road from Sultanganj to Deoghar will be expedited following the monsoon season, alongside advancing the process for the Sultanganj-Deoghar new railway line.
Rejuvenation of Ajgainath Dham and Promotion of Dolphin Tourism
To further enhance the mythological significance of Sultanganj, there is a plan to develop both banks of the Ganges on the lines of Haridwar:
Ghats near the Namami Gange Ghat and Ajgainath Dham will undergo beautification.
The government is also working rapidly toward promoting Dolphin Tourism alongside religious tourism in the region and constructing a grand Ganga Park.
Unprecedented Arrangements for Pilgrims During Shravani Mela
Reviewing the mela arrangements during the inaugural ceremony, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the government's priority is to ensure that kanwarias arriving from every corner of the country face no inconvenience:
Modern tent cities with a total capacity of 2,850 beds have been constructed across Bhagalpur, Banka, and Munger districts, featuring robust arrangements for electricity, water, toilets, and security.
This time, special mats have been laid out along the kanwar path to minimize the physical distress caused to kanwarias walking barefoot. Moreover, for the first time, pure vegetarian meals are being served via 'Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi', and laser and drone shows are being organized at the Namami Gange Ghat.
These major announcements made by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during the inauguration of the Shravani Mela in Sultanganj will serve as a milestone in the development of Bhagalpur and the entire Anga region. Projects such as an international airport, modern townships, Marine Drive, and ropeways will not only boost religious tourism but also open new gateways for employment. These resolutions by the government clearly indicate that in times to come, Bhagalpur will emerge prominently on the country's map as a major economic and cultural hub.
