Rising Ganga Water Level Forces Closure of Danapur Pontoon Bridge, Villagers Rely on Boats

Brief By Newsbrief / 6:17 PM on 09 Jul 2026

Patna: Rising water levels in the Ganga River following the onset of the monsoon have prompted authorities to dismantle the main pontoon bridge at Danapur, cutting off road connectivity between the city and the Diara region. With the seasonal bridge removed, thousands of residents from dozens of villages are now dependent on country boats for commuting to Danapur and Patna. The disruption has particularly affected students, office-goers and patients requiring urgent medical care, as travelling by boat has become the only available option. Locals have also reported increased transportation costs, alleging that some boat operators are charging higher fares. In response, the district administration and police have intensified monitoring at river ghats to prevent overcrowding on boats and ensure the availability of life jackets and other safety measures. Officials said the precautions have been taken to minimise the risk of accidents during the monsoon, when the Ganga experiences strong currents and rising water levels.