STN: The Union Government has picked Patna for the National Water Metro plan. The plan aims to offer clean transport along the city’s waterways. Electric hybrid boats will run on the routes.
Work on the Ganga project is moving fast. Officials expect it to boost transport, tourism and jobs in the city.
Patna Water Metro Plan: What We Know So Far
The State Government has given two acres of land at each ghat to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The agency will use the land to build the terminals.
The full project will connect to National Waterway-1. Officials put the cost at around Rs 1,200 crore.
The first phase covers two river cruise terminals. One will come up at Kangan Ghat. The other will come up at Pahalwan Ghat.
How the Patna Water Metro Will Work at Kangan Ghat
The Kangan Ghat terminal will connect to a pontoon on the Ganga. A gangway will link the two. It will pass below J P Ganga Path.
The pontoon will be about 150 metres long. It can hold four boats at the same time.
The work also covers a power bunkering system and an auxiliary supply system. These will supply electricity to all boats that operate inside the terminal area.
What Passengers Will See at Pahalwan Ghat
Both terminals will have modern buildings and clear walkways. The aim is to make it easy to move from road to boat.
At Pahalwan Ghat, passengers will walk along a raised pathway. Workers will also place stones along the nearby riverbanks. This will make the banks stronger and safer.
Beyond Kangan and Pahalwan: More Terminals Ahead
The plan does not stop at these two ghats. IWAI has already identified more sites for terminals. They lie along both the Ganga and the Gandak rivers.
IWAI already runs a terminal at Gaighat on National Waterway-1. The new terminals will build on that base. Together, they will give daily commuters a new way to travel.
For many riders, the Patna Water Metro could cut time spent on crowded roads. It could also give visitors an easy way to see the river front. Local businesses near the ghats may gain from the extra footfall.
The project still has a long way to go. Builders must finish the terminals, power systems and boat services before passengers can ride. Officials have not shared all details yet. Readers should watch for updates from IWAI and the State Government.
FAQs
A: A water metro is a boat service that works like a city metro. Boats run on fixed routes at regular times and stop at set terminals.
A: Kochi launched India’s first water metro in 2023. It uses battery-powered boats and serves the islands around the city.
A: It is a stretch of the Ganga that runs from Prayagraj to Haldia. It is about 1,620 km long and is used mainly to move cargo.
A: No fare has been announced. Officials will likely share it closer to launch.
A: No official start date is public. The terminals are still in the planning and build stage.
A: They burn less fuel than diesel boats. This cuts air pollution and noise on the river.
A: Yes. The National Water Metro plan covers several cities across India, and Patna is one of them.
A: IWAI leads the work, with support from the State Government.