The much-awaited launch of the Water Metro service for tourists in the Ganga River, planned for the occasion of Dussehra, has been delayed due to various technical and procedural reasons. Originally slated to begin during the festival season, the service’s inauguration has been postponed multiple times. The delay has extended beyond major celebrations such as Christmas and Diwali, with the year 2025 nearing its conclusion. However, the Tourism Department is now preparing to officially launch the Ganga Water Metro service in January 2026.
After a long wait, the project has entered its final phase, and preparations are underway to commence operations. The electronic vessel MV-Gomdharkunwar, built by the Hooghly Kochi Shipyard Limited in Kolkata at a cost of 12 crore INR, has already arrived at the Ganga River near the Gayghat port. This vessel is a part of the plan to introduce the Water Metro service in Patna, which aims to enhance tourism and promote water-based transportation on the Ganga.
Technical Testing and Final Preparations
According to Arvind Kumar, the Director of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Patna, the electronic vessel has successfully completed its technical inspection and trials on the Ganga River. The vessel has passed the required technical checks, and the trial run was deemed successful. However, there are still some formalities pending, including the receipt of registration and survey certificates from the West Bengal government. While the survey report from the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has already been received, the certification process is still underway.
The Water Metro service aims to begin operations between Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat. To facilitate this, a charging point for the electronic vessels will be set up at a floating community jetty. This installation will be carried out by the Bihar government. The vessel will initially depart from Digha Ghat and head to the NIT Ghat for its first charging session. Afterward, the vessel will proceed to Kangan Ghat, returning to NIT Ghat for another charging session before returning to Digha Ghat.
Charging Infrastructure and Operational Plan
The Tourism Department also plans to establish a charging point at Kangan Ghat, which is currently in the tendering process. Once completed, the vessel’s battery will take just 30 minutes to charge, allowing it to operate for approximately 1.5 hours. This efficient charging time and operational capacity are expected to provide a smooth and continuous service for tourists traveling along the Ganga.
The water metro vessel is equipped with air conditioning for passenger comfort. It offers seating for 50 passengers, along with standing space for around 25 people. The primary goal of this initiative is to provide tourists with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience while exploring the scenic Ganga River. This service is expected to contribute to the growing interest in river tourism in Patna and its surrounding areas.
Boosting River Tourism and Promoting Eco-friendly Transportation
The introduction of the Ganga Water Metro service is part of a broader initiative to promote river tourism in Bihar. It aims to create a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional modes of transportation. With the growing interest in water-based travel, the service will cater to both tourists and locals looking for an enjoyable way to explore the Ganga River. This project is expected to be a major attraction, offering passengers a unique perspective of Patna and its surroundings from the river.
Future Plans and Expectations for Ganga Water Metro
The launch of the Ganga Water Metro is set to be a significant milestone in Bihar’s tourism sector. Once operational, the service will provide an alternative mode of transport, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the tourism experience in the region. The Tourism Department hopes that this new service will attract more visitors to the city, boosting the local economy and creating new opportunities for businesses in the area.
In the long term, there are plans to expand the Water Metro service to other parts of the Ganga River, providing a more extensive network of water-based transport. This expansion will be a crucial step toward making the Ganga River a major hub for sustainable tourism in the region.
With the expected launch of the Ganga Water Metro service in January 2026, Patna is poised to take a significant step forward in promoting river tourism and providing eco-friendly transportation options. The successful trial runs and preparations show that the project is on the right track. Once fully operational, the Water Metro will not only improve the travel experience for tourists but also contribute to the overall development of the region’s infrastructure. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to making Patna a more tourist-friendly destination, with the Ganga River playing a central role in this vision.
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