Patna to Sail Ahead: Water Metro Planned to Transform Urban Transport

Patna: In a bid to address Patna’s growing traffic challenges, plans are underway to introduce a water metro system in the city. Leveraging the vast expanse of the Ganges, the project aims to benefit over 2 million residents living along the riverbanks in Greater Patna, spanning from Koilwar to Bakhtiyarpur. The initiative follows the success of the Kochi Water Metro and is part of a central government push to launch similar systems in 18 cities, including Patna, Varanasi, and Prayagraj.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has tasked Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) with studying the feasibility of water metro systems in cities with rivers, lakes, backwaters, and coastal areas. Other cities identified for the study include Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Kollam, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Srinagar, Mumbai, Kochi, and Vasai.

Eco-Friendly Transport and Challenges

The proposed water metro will feature battery-operated electric hybrid boats, providing an eco-friendly alternative for urban transit. Terminals along the Ganges will connect to Patna’s main roads, improving access and easing traffic congestion.

However, challenges remain. The Ganga riverbed near Patna has become shallower due to sediment deposition from the Gandak river. Efforts are underway to mitigate this, including the construction of floating terminals and measures to prevent further sediment inflow.

Boost for Passenger and Cargo Movement

The water metro will serve areas with limited transport access, providing a direct benefit to lakhs of passengers. Additionally, Patna has been selected as a hub for cargo ships operating between Haldia in West Bengal and Allahabad. For this, six terminals are planned in Bihar.

Key locations for passenger and cargo terminals include Danapur Digha, Kurji, Rajapur, Bansghat, Collectorate Ghat, Mahendru Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, and Didarganj Ghat, among others. These terminals will form an integrated network, enhancing connectivity across the city and beyond.

The water metro project, if implemented successfully, promises to transform urban transport in Patna while reducing road congestion and providing a sustainable mode of travel.