Patna is poised for a watery revolution with its Rs 908 crore Water Metro scheme, starting with Phase 1 between Gandhi Ghat and Gai Ghat. Tourism Department revelations on Saturday highlight charging point construction at Gandhi Ghat, extending to Kangan and Digha Ghats. This 10.5 km river route promises seamless, green commuting along the sacred Ganges.
Two hybrid boats, environmentally conscious and AC-equipped, will rely on advanced batteries and backup generators. Passenger-centric innovations include GPS auto-tracking, CCTV monitoring, and wave-minimizing designs for high-speed efficiency. A squad of 3-4 rescue boats ensures round-the-clock safety.
At the heart is MV Gomdhar Kunwar, boasting a Rs 12 crore price tag, engineered with Kochi Shipyard collaboration under the Inland Waterways Authority of India and Bihar aegis. Route details: a 10 km path from Kangan Ghat through Gai Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Digha Ghat, Farakka Mahto Ghat, Nariyal Ghat, Panapur, Konhara Ghat, Kali Ghat (Sonpur), to Chhechar Ghat.
Expansion beckons with Hajipur-Sonpur integration in Phase 2, targeting 10 terminals over four lines. This isn’t just about boats on water—it’s Patna rediscovering its fluvial soul, spurring tourism influx, job generation, and eco-friendly transit options amid growing urbanization. The countdown to launch has begun, heralding a splashy new era.