Patna: A Water Metro project estimated to cost around Rs 1,200 crore is being planned along the Ganges in Patna, with the first phase focusing on the development of river cruise terminals at Kangan Ghat and Pehalwan Ghat.
The project is linked to National Waterway-1 and is being pursued through the joint efforts of the central and state governments. The proposed terminals are expected to support river-based passenger and cruise services while also improving infrastructure along the riverfront.
Two Terminals In First Phase
The state government has allocated two acres of land each at Kangan Ghat and Pehalwan Ghat to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Patna, for the proposed facilities.
An IWAI official said the two terminals are estimated to cost around Rs 200 crore. Construction is expected to be completed before 2029, while development around the terminals is expected to generate employment opportunities.
Kangan Ghat Terminal
At Kangan Ghat, the river cruise terminal will include berthing facilities and will be connected to a pontoon in the Ganges.
According to the IWAI plan, the pontoon will be about 150 metres long and will be connected to the terminal through a gangway passing beneath JP Ganga Path.
The arrangement is designed to allow four vessels to berth simultaneously. A fuel bunkering facility will also be provided for vessels using the terminal.
Elevated Infrastructure At Pehalwan Ghat
At Pehalwan Ghat, the proposed river cruise terminal infrastructure will be constructed on an elevated platform.
The plan includes an elevated area around the terminal and an elevated ramp connecting the facility to the pontoon. Stone pitching along the riverbank is also proposed as part of the development.
River Tourism And Local Development
The proposed terminals are intended to serve cruise vessels carrying domestic and international tourists, adding river-based transport and tourism infrastructure to Patna’s existing connectivity network.
The project is expected to bring further development around the two ghats, alongside the proposed passenger and cruise facilities.
