Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday launched Patna’s first Water Metro service on the Ganga, flagging off a modern catamaran vessel from Digha Ghat. The initiative aims to promote eco-friendly river tourism while providing residents and visitors with an additional mode of transport in the state capital.
The new service will offer passengers an opportunity to travel along the Ganga while experiencing the city’s riverfront. It is also expected to provide an alternative to road travel and help reduce commuting difficulties caused by traffic congestion on Ashok Rajpath.
The Tourism Department has introduced the service as part of efforts to develop the Ganga as a destination for environmentally friendly tourism and modern water transport.
50-Seater Catamaran Equipped With Modern Facilities
The Water Metro is a 50-passenger catamaran equipped with facilities including air-conditioning, an announcement system, toilets and wheelchair access.
The vessel has a hybrid engine and operates primarily on electric power. According to the state government, its operation will help prevent water, air and noise pollution.
To support its operation, fast-charging and shore-charging facilities have been installed at Digha (Meenar Ghat) and Gandhi Ghat. These facilities will be used to recharge the vessel’s batteries.
Digha-Gandhi Ghat Route To Be Operational
The service will begin at Digha (Meenar Ghat) and travel to Gandhi Ghat before returning to Digha in the evening.
The government plans to extend the route to Kangan Ghat in a subsequent phase. The expansion is expected to increase the reach of water transport along the Ganga in Patna.
Water Metro Ticket Prices
The adult ticket fare has been fixed at Rs 50 per passenger. Children below five years of age will be allowed to travel free of charge, while children between five and 12 years will receive a 50 per cent fare concession.
Passengers can currently purchase tickets at the counter at Digha Ghat. An online booking facility is also expected to be introduced soon.
Senior Ministers And Officials Attend Launch
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Health Minister Nishant, Cooperation Minister Ram Kripal Yadav and Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitin Mishra attended the launch programme.
Patna Mayor Sita Sahu, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Patna Municipal Corporation Commissioner Yashpal Meena, District Magistrate Kundan Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K Sharma were among the other officials and public representatives present.
With the launch of the Water Metro, Patna has added a new river-based transport option to its tourism infrastructure. The planned extension towards Kangan Ghat is expected to further expand the service in the coming phase.
