Patna is preparing to introduce a water metro service, promising a significant upgrade to its public transport system and addressing the issue of traffic congestion. This initiative, incorporating electric and hybrid ferries, aims to provide a more sustainable and efficient mode of travel. The project, announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to commence before the Dussehra festival in 2025, following the arrival of the first electric vessel, MV Gomdharkunwar, at the Gaighat jetty. The water metro will offer Patna residents a rapid, secure, and environmentally friendly transportation option along the Ganges. This project takes inspiration from the successful Kochi Water Metro and the thriving water transport systems in Mumbai and Goa.
Patna’s existing transport infrastructure often struggles to cope with heavy traffic, especially in the areas that run parallel to the Ganges. The water metro service is a key component in addressing these challenges. The city’s position on National Waterway-1 (NW-1) makes it an ideal location for inland water transport. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has commissioned Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to conduct a feasibility study. The Patna Water Metro project, supported by a ₹908 crore agreement between the Bihar government and IWAI, is designed to enhance connectivity and boost urban water transport. The service will initially operate on four routes, with the first phase spanning 21 kilometers, connecting Digha Ghat to Kangana Ghat and including stops at Gandhi Ghat, Gaighat, and Kangana Ghat. The vessels have been designed with passenger comfort in mind, providing both seating and standing areas, appealing to both regular commuters and tourists. This service is set to encourage cruise tourism and transform Patna into a model city for smart urban water transport.