Patna: Patna is set to offer residents and tourists a unique experience this Dussehra with the arrival of the state-of-the-art electric water metro, MV Gomdharkunwar. The vessel reached Patna on Saturday following an agreement signed between the Bihar government’s tourism department and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on September 20 in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Officials including IWAI Regional Director Arvind Kumar, Deputy Director Amit Kumar, and technical expert Sanjay Verma welcomed the ship at the high-level Gaighat port. With 50 seats and space for 25 standing passengers, the air-conditioned vessel will operate between Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat.
The MV Gomdharkunwar was built by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited on the banks of the Hooghly River in Howrah, Kolkata, at a cost of approximately ₹12 crore. According to IWAI Director Arvind Kumar, technical experts from the shipyard will complete the final setup over the next two days, including installing a charging point at the Gaighat floating community jetty. Once technical approval is granted, the ship will be handed over to the Tourism Development Corporation for regular operations. Fares are expected to be between Rs 20 and Rs 30 per kilometre.
The vessel will initially undergo trial runs between Gaighat and Kangan Ghat, covering 6.5 kilometres along the Ganga. The full route between Digha and Kangan Ghat spans 9.5 kilometres. The electric ship has two batteries that charge in half an hour and provide a cruising range of around one and a half hours. The journey from Kolkata to Patna took time due to high water levels and strong winds, and the ship was assisted by another vessel to safely reach its destination.
Passengers can look forward to a comfortable and scenic ride along the Ganges. The vessel features a large hall with 50 seats, four air-conditioners, CCTV cameras, LCD screens, and a sound system. Information about upcoming stations and other details will be provided during the journey. Large mirrors inside the hall allow both seated and standing passengers to enjoy and capture panoramic views of the river. The ship is also equipped with all necessary safety arrangements, making it a modern and secure way for tourists to experience Patna from the water.
