A yacht off the coast of Australia. Patna residents would soon be able to cruise on the Ganga in such a vessel. (AFP)

Come 2014, a yacht would set sail on the Ganga.

The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has placed an order for a yacht worth Rs 24 lakh keeping in tune with the theme of World Tourism Day 2013 — Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future.

“The 25-seater yacht would set sail from Gandhi Ghat. It would operate on a short route along the city. The company given the order has made a presentation on the proposed model of the yacht. We have asked them to make some modifications. They are expected to take around three months to manufacture it. We are expecting to start the yacht service early next year,” said Awadhesh Kumar, managing director, BSTDC.

Sources in BSTDC said the yacht would be a small double-storey vessel with arrangement for snacks. People would be able to book it for private parties as well.

Till the yacht sets sail, Sabbalpur Diara would remain the best bet for the residents keen to enjoy the beauty of the Ganga. Before Diwali, a motorised mobile jetty would be placed there.

At present, there is a bamboo-made makeshift jetty at the sandbar. The floating jetty is likely to be delivered to BSTDC by October 15.

Diwali would be celebrated in the first week of November.

Though residents would be able to enjoy the luxury of a yacht next year, BSTDC’s proposal for a floatel (floating hotel on the Ganga) has apparently has come to a nought. “Our project envisaged giving a permit for running a floating hotel to a private party, which would bear the expenses of manufacturing the vessel. But we did not get any bid for the project,” said Awadhesh, the managing director of BSTDC.

World Tourism Day

The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation would be offering 10 per cent discount on tariff in all its hotels and restaurants across the state on September 27 — the World Tourism Day. People visiting the floating restaurant would get 10 per cent discount.

“We shall take out a tourism awareness procession from Gol Ghar to our headquarters at Kautilya Vihar on Beer Chand Patel Marg in the morning on World Tourism Day,” said Awadhesh.