Launch of Water Metro Service in Patna: A New Era for Public Transport

With the introduction of the Water Metro service in Patna, a significant transformation in public transportation is on the horizon. This ambitious initiative was announced by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. It is part of the government's broader efforts to utilize India's inland waterways for sustainable transport, economic growth, and tourism development. The Water Metro in Patna will operate using the Ganges River, aiming to establish a clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly urban transport system. The proposed service is expected to connect both banks of the river, alleviate road congestion, and provide a seamless commuting option for thousands of daily travelers.

This announcement comes just months ahead of the state assembly elections. While addressing a consultation meeting focused on the development of inland water transport in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, Sonowal emphasized the Modi government's commitment to harnessing the full potential of river systems for cargo, tourism, and local livelihoods. He stated, "The Water Metro system will connect both banks and offer clean, efficient, and modern urban mobility solutions for Patna. The National Inland Navigation Institute is being upgraded as a center of excellence with new investments."

- Sixteen new jetties will be constructed in Patna.

- Two modern terminals will be developed.

- A dedicated vessel center will be established for the maintenance and management of boats.

- The National Inland Waterway Institute (NIWI) in Patna will be enhanced as a center of excellence to support the project and future innovations in waterways.

- These developments aim to position Patna as a major hub for inland water transport in Eastern India.

In addition to facilitating daily commutes, the Water Metro project is expected to:

- Promote tourism along the banks of the Ganges River.

- Create local employment opportunities in boat operations, terminal management, and maintenance.

- Support the development of ecotourism and heritage tourism by connecting services with various cultural sites in Patna.