Patna is set to launch a water metro service on the Ganges, promising a shift towards sustainable and efficient public transportation. The project aims to tackle traffic congestion and offer an environmentally friendly travel option. The project, announced in June 2025, involves electric and hybrid ferries. The initial electric vessel, MV Gomdharkunwar, has already reached Patna’s Gaighat jetty from Kolkata, with operations scheduled to commence before the Dussehra festival in 2025. The goal is to provide a faster, safer, and sustainable transportation alternative for residents along the Ganges. The project mirrors the successful Kochi Water Metro model, which has served over 4 million passengers, and draws inspiration from water transport successes in Mumbai and Goa.
Patna’s transportation network often struggles with heavy traffic, primarily due to a high volume of vehicles and limited road capacity, especially along the Ganges. The introduction of the water metro aims to alleviate these challenges. Patna’s strategic location on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), connecting Allahabad to Haldia, makes it suitable for inland water transport. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) commissioned Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for a comprehensive feasibility study, including initial surveys at important ghats. A ₹908 crore agreement between the Bihar government and IWAI will fund the Patna Water Metro project, enhancing connectivity and supporting urban water transport. The project will feature four routes, starting with a 21-kilometer stretch from Digha Ghat to Kangana Ghat, with stops at Gandhi Ghat, Gaighat, and Kangana Ghat. The electric vessels are designed to offer passengers a comfortable experience, providing adequate seating and standing space, making them suitable for daily commuters and tourists alike. This project is also expected to boost cruise tourism along the Ganges and establish Patna as a model for smart urban water transport.