Jharkhand to establish Inter-State Waterways Authority and Road Transport Corporation

Mail News Service

Ranchi, Mar 17: For the first time since its formation, Jharkhand is set to establish an Inter-State Waterways Authority Board and a State Road Transport Corporation. The state’s Transport Department has taken this initiative to promote tourism and improve transportation. The budget for the 2025-26 financial year has allocated funds for both projects, marking a significant step toward modernizing transport infrastructure.

The Jharkhand Inter-State Waterways Authority Board aims to explore and develop various waterways for transportation, tourism and trade. Currently, waterways on the Ganga River in Sahibganj district are facilitating trade, transportation and employment. The new authority will conduct detailed surveys to identify additional waterways across the state. The Transport Department believes that developing water transport will ease pressure on road and rail networks while boosting business and tourism. Efforts will also be made to connect tourist destinations via waterways, offering travellers a new experience and contributing to the state’s economic growth.

Additionally, the Jharkhand State Road Transport Corporation is being proposed to improve public transportation in remote areas. Many villages still lack proper road connectivity to district headquarters. The formation of the transport corporation will ensure regular bus services to such regions, enhancing mobility and accessibility. The demand for this corporation has been pending for years and now, with funds already available, the department plans to implement it in the next financial year.

Transport Minister Deepak Birua highlighted that the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation had been operational before Jharkhand became a separate state, but no such entity has existed in Jharkhand since. As a result, many transport-related schemes have faced hurdles. The upcoming Waterways Authority and Transport Corporation are expected to provide better transport services, promote economic growth and enhance connectivity across the state. (w/nkm)