Representative Photo
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Patna is set to introduce its Water Metro service from April, making it the second city in the country after Kochi to operate such a system. The responsibility of running the Water Metro has been entrusted to the state Tourism Department. The service will operate on electric-powered boats, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly urban transport.
The Water Metro will initially run between Digha and Kangan Ghat. Tenders have been floated for setting up charging stations at Digha, Gandhi Ghat and Kangan Ghat to support the electric vessels.
As per the proposed fare structure, the minimum ticket price will be ₹50, while the maximum fare will be ₹100. Passengers will be able to book tickets through the official Bihar Tourism website, and a dedicated mobile application is also expected to be launched shortly. The service will operate daily from 10 am to 8 pm. There are also plans to extend the route up to Sonepur in the near future.
Each Water Metro boat will have a capacity of around 100 passengers. On the Digha–Kangan Ghat route, stoppages will be provided at Gandhi Ghat and Gaighat. The total cost of the Patna Water Metro project is estimated at approximately ₹908 crore, with each boat costing around ₹12 crore.
A comprehensive plan has been prepared to expand the Water Metro beyond Patna, connecting neighbouring districts such as Sonepur and Vaishali through river routes. The project is being implemented in collaboration with Kochi Metro Rail Limited. The boat has been named MV Gomadharkonwar.
Officials believe the Water Metro will play an important role in controlling pollution in Bihar while simultaneously promoting river tourism. The Ganga flows through 12 districts of the state, the Gandak through seven, and the Budhi Gandak through five districts. With improved river-based connectivity, the project is expected to offer a convenient alternative for passenger movement as well as goods transportation across districts.
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