Shipping Minister Announces Major Infrastructure Development union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Monday that Patna will soon introduce water metro services, transforming the city into a key hub for inland water transport on the Ganga. The announcement comes just months before Bihar’s assembly elections, highlighting the central government’s focus on enhancing connectivity and sustainable transport solutions.
Speaking at a consultation meeting on inland water transport development across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, Sonowal emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to leveraging river systems for cargo movement, tourism, and livelihood opportunities.
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Modern Urban Mobility Solution for Patna
The proposed water metro system will connect both banks of the Ganga, offering a clean, efficient, and modern urban transport alternative for Patna’s residents. Sonowal stated that the National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI) is being upgraded into a centre of excellence with fresh investments to support this initiative.
“Over the past 11 years, under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s inland waterways have become vibrant engines of green growth and connectivity,” Sonowal said. He highlighted National Waterway 1 (NW-1), which spans 1,390 km from Varanasi to Haldia, as the backbone of this revival.
Bihar Set to Become a Key Inland Waterways Hub
Bihar, blessed by the sacred Ganga, is poised to emerge as a major inland waterways transport hub. The central government is collaborating with state authorities to make water transport a pillar of India’s sustainable, multimodal transport future.
“Rivers are now the lifelines of our economy,” Sonowal asserted. As part of NW-1’s development, two new terminals will be built in Patna, along with a vessel repair and manufacturing centre along the Ganga. Additionally, 16 community jetties will be constructed across various districts in Bihar, improving local connectivity.
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Key Infrastructure Projects Along the Ganga
1. Modernization of Kalu Ghat
Kalu Ghat will be transformed into a state-of-the-art waterway centre, enhancing passenger and cargo movement.
2. Dedicated Task Force for Inland Navigation
A special task force will be formed to explore further opportunities for inland navigation and water-based commerce in 12 Ganga-bordering districts of Bihar.
3. Expansion of Waterway Surveys
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal surveys monthly to assess Least Available Depth (LAD).
By 2027, coverage will expand from 11 states to 22 states and four Union Territories, ensuring smoother navigation.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
Sonowal emphasized that the development of NW-1 will create jobs, boost tourism, and position Bihar as a key contributor to India’s economic growth. Improved waterways will facilitate cheaper cargo transport, reduce road congestion, and promote eco-friendly travel options.
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Multi-State Collaboration for Waterway Development
The consultation meeting saw participation from key leaders, including:
- Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh
- Bihar’s Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha
- UP’s Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh
- West Bengal’s Waterways and Irrigation Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia
- IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar
The collective effort aims to strengthen inter-state coordination, ensuring seamless development of inland water transport infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Transport Revolution
The introduction of water metro services in Patna marks a significant step toward modernizing Bihar’s transport network. With new terminals, jetties, and repair facilities, the Ganga will become a vibrant economic corridor, fostering trade, tourism, and employment.
As India moves toward a green and multimodal transport future, Bihar’s waterways are set to play a pivotal role in the nation’s progress.
Source: PTI
