Bihar government has unveiled exciting details of Patna’s Water Metro project, a Rs 908 crore marvel aimed at transforming river travel. Phase one spotlights Gandhi Ghat and Gai Ghat as primary halts, with the service covering a picturesque 10.5 km stretch. Charging infrastructure is underway at Gandhi Ghat, soon to expand to Kangan and Digha Ghats, as confirmed by tourism officials.
Picture this: hybrid-powered boats gliding silently on the Ganges, their AC interiors shielding passengers from the tropical blaze. Advanced lithium batteries paired with generators ensure reliability, while low-wake hulls minimize river disturbance. Security features include real-time GPS tracking, onboard CCTV, and a fleet of rescue vessels for any contingencies.
The flagship boat, MV Gomdhar Kunwar, priced north of Rs 12 crore, highlights the project’s scale. This collaboration between Inland Waterways Authority of India and Bihar state draws engineering prowess from Kochi Shipyard. The debut route snakes from Kangan Ghat via Gai Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Digha, Farakka Mahto Ghat, Nariyal Ghat, Panapur, Konhara Ghat, Kali Ghat (Sonpur), ending at Chhechar Ghat—clocking about 10 km.
Long-term vision includes scaling to 10 terminals across four routes, incorporating Hajipur and Sonpur. Beyond connectivity, it promises an economic ripple effect, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and offering a greener alternative to Patna’s traffic-choked roads. As construction accelerates, Patna’s waterways are awakening to a futuristic commute.