Patna is likely to witness the launch of Bihar’s first-ever Water Metro service by January 2026, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban mobility along the river Ganga. After multiple delays, officials have confirmed that the project has entered its final preparatory phase, with operational readiness expected early next year Patna.
The electric vessel earmarked for the service, MV Gomdhar Kunwar, is currently stationed near Gaighat on the Ganga river in Patna. Constructed by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Howrah at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore, the vessel was initially scheduled for inauguration during Dussehra 2025 but faced postponements due to infrastructural and procedural delays.
According to Arvind Kumar, Director of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Patna, the vessel has successfully completed all mandatory technical inspections and river trial runs. Officials indicated that once the remaining certifications are secured, the Water Metro will be formally inaugurated, with January 2026 now being the targeted start date.
However, several on-ground infrastructure components are still under development. Charging stations for the electric vessel are yet to be installed at Digha and NIT Ghat, while floating community jetties are planned at Digha, NIT Ghat, and Kangan Ghat to support passenger boarding and operations along the route.
As per the proposed operational plan, the Water Metro will commence service from Digha, halt at NIT Ghat for recharging, proceed to Kangan Ghat, and return via NIT Ghat before concluding the loop at Digha. In parallel, the Bihar State Tourism Department is working on setting up an additional charging facility at Kangan Ghat, with tenders currently under process.
Designed for passenger comfort, the fully air-conditioned electric vessel can accommodate up to 50 seated passengers, with standing capacity for approximately 25 additional commuters. The onboard battery system requires around 30 minutes for a full charge, enabling nearly 90 minutes of uninterrupted operation.
Once operational, the Patna Water Metro is expected to offer an eco-friendly alternative to road-based transport, enhance river-based connectivity, and contribute to the city’s broader vision for sustainable urban infrastructure.
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