Bhagirathi Vihar, the new cafeteria at Gandhi Ghat in Patna. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Patna, April 24: Those of you fond of visiting the Ganga ghats on summer evenings to savour the cool breeze, there is something new to add zing to your visit. You can sip coffee or savour delicacies as you while away the lazy evening hours.

A world-class cafeteria, developed by the state department of tourism, opened its doors at Gandhi Ghat today.

A large number of people had turned up this evening at Gandhi Ghat to see chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurate the café, Bhagirathi Vihar. He also took part on a Ganga aarati after the inauguration.

Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, tourism minister Sunil Kumar Pintu, Patna senior superintendent of police Alok Kumar, health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, consumer protection minister Shyam Rajak and others were also present.

The world-class cafeteria has been developed under the Ganga tourism promotion scheme. On the ground floor of the Ganga-facing restaurant is a 3,000sqft banquet hall. The restaurant of the same size on the first floor has a sitting capacity for 200 people.

The building, shaped like a ship, is centrally air-conditioned and allows a view of the river through its glass front.

Independent kitchens have been provided on both floors.

The cafeteria has been constructed in a public-private partnership with Kapil’s Eleven. The private partner is responsible for its operations.

“The location of the cafeteria and its high profitability lured us into this project. Our target customers are the varsity students as Patna University is situated nearby. If we can attract the students, our profits will increase manifold,” said Anurag Kumar, the owner of Kapil’s Eleven.

Apart from sipping coffee and soft drinks, the visitors can treat their taste buds to a multi-cuisine menu that includes Indian, Chinese and continental dishes.

Besides, visitors can take a trip of the Ganga on the floating restaurant — MV Ganga Vihar, which sets sail right from the entrance of the cafeteria.

Youths in the state capital are delighted with this new riverfront development.

“The coffee culture in the state capital is set for a major transformation. I believe this will turn out to be the most happening place in the city for youths. It is at some distance from the city and has a calm and soothing environment. I will come here all the time with my friends,” said Kritagya Prakash, a student of a private school.

“This is a innovative concept. It will definitely attract the youth brigade of the city. It will also promote Ganga tourism. We needed such a cafeteria. The way it has been delivered to the citizens is highly commendable,” said Akansha, a Patliputra resident.