Water Metro Set to Make Waves in Patna

On June 16, 2025, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that Water Metro services will soon launch in Patna, positioning the city as a key inland water transport hub on the Ganga. The move, ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, underscores the Centre’s focus on leveraging river systems for cargo movement, tourism, and employment.

“The water metro will connect both banks of the river and provide Patna with a clean, efficient, and modern urban transport solution,” the Minister said during a regional consultation on inland water transport involving Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Bihar’s strategic location along the 1,390 km-long National Waterway 1 (NW-1) from Varanasi to Haldia was highlighted. Plans include two terminals in Patna, a vessel repair and manufacturing hub, and 16 community jetties across various districts. Kalu Ghat is also set for development as a modern waterway centre.

The National Inland Navigation Institute will be upgraded into a Centre of Excellence, with fresh investment. A task force will be formed to explore navigation and trade opportunities across 12 districts. The event saw participation from Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.