Patna: The Ganges, long the city’s economic and cultural lifeline, is being recast as a corridor for modern transport and tourism. Preparations are under way to launch a Water Metro service by the end of February, beginning with a first-phase route between Digha and Kangan Ghat.
A community jetty—designed as a ghat-like structure—is nearing completion at Digha Ghat. Ticket counters, security arrangements and basic passenger amenities are being finalised, while modern boats are expected to offer a quicker and more comfortable river crossing. Officials say the route will be extended to additional ghats in later phases.
Running alongside the Water Metro is a separate but complementary plan: a world-class cruise terminal near Pehalwan Ghat. Construction is progressing quickly, with the terminal intended to anchor Patna’s ambitions as a river tourism hub and to strengthen inland waterway transport on the Ganges.
Both projects are being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, with support from the district administration. Regular coordination meetings are being held to smooth clearances and logistics. On Thursday, the district magistrate, Tyagarajan SM, inspected Kurji, Digha and surrounding areas to identify sites linked to the riverfront programme.
Near Pehalwan Ghat, officials earmarked around two acres for the cruise terminal, which will include modern passenger facilities. Once completed, the terminal is expected to draw domestic and international tourists, bolster river-based economic activity and enhance the city’s connectivity along National Waterway-1.
At Digha Ghat, a 20-metre-by-20-metre site has been identified for the community jetty. The district administration has also already provided five acres of land at Kurji for a ship repair centre, another Inland Waterways project expected to increase vessel numbers and generate employment.
Water Metro services—already operational in Kochi—are positioned as an environmentally friendly alternative to road and rail, running scheduled passenger services along rivers. Officials say the Patna network will create jobs in boat operations, ticketing, security and tourism, with spillover benefits for hotels, guides, travel services and local businesses.
