Patna: The central government has announced a major initiative to transform Bihar into a hub for inland waterways, aiming to strengthen both the state’s economy and its transport infrastructure. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, revealed the plan during a press briefing, outlining a series of projects along the Ganga river that promise to boost connectivity, trade, and employment in the region.
As part of the larger National Waterway-1 corridor stretching 1,390 km from Varanasi to Haldia, Bihar will see the development of two roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminals in Patna, along with the establishment of a ship repair and construction centre on the Ganga. In a significant push towards sustainable and modern transport, water metro services will also be launched in select regions of the state.
“Sixteen community jetties will be constructed across various districts, and Kalu Ghat will be developed into a state-of-the-art waterway centre,” said Sonowal. A dedicated task force will be formed to explore further possibilities for inland navigation and water-based commerce in 12 Ganga-adjacent districts.
The minister said the initiative represents a departure from previous administrations’ neglect of inland water transport. He highlighted the current government’s investment of over Rs 6,000 crore in the sector, which has resulted in a 700% increase in development progress so far.
“This is not just about transport. It’s about creating jobs, boosting tourism, and making Bihar a key player in India’s economic growth,” Sonowal added, expressing confidence that India would become the world’s third-largest economy by 2029—with Bihar playing a pivotal role.
Officials say that prioritising inland waterways over road transport will provide faster, more affordable, and environmentally friendly alternatives for both goods and passenger movement.
