Patna Water Metro boosts urban transport reform

New lifeline for Patna’s traffic problem

Patna Water Metro boosts urban transport reform: Patna’s first Water Metro is set to transform public transport in the city. Announced on June 28, 2025, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the project plans to introduce electric and hybrid ferries on the Ganga river, offering a sustainable and fast alternative to road travel.

This project mirrors the success of the Kochi Water Metro, which became India’s first such network in 2023. It has already transported over 40 lakh passengers, proving the viability of water-based public transport in congested urban areas.

Why Patna needs a water metro

Patna suffers from intense road congestion due to high vehicle density and limited space for road expansion. The east-west stretch of the city, running parallel to the Ganga, is especially impacted.
The geographical bottlenecks and increasing population demand innovative transport solutions.

Static GK fact: Patna is located along the National Waterway-1 (NW-1), which stretches from Allahabad to Haldia, making it an ideal site for inland water transport projects.

Project planning and development

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has appointed Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to carry out a feasibility study. Initial surveys have been completed at key ghats to evaluate passenger demand, water depth, and terminal points.

A phased rollout is planned based on data from high-traffic zones. This includes planning of floating terminals, route design, and passenger access points.

Challenges in implementation

Seasonal challenges like sedimentation and water level fluctuation pose risks to ferry movement.
Existing ferry services are unregulated and often unsafe. Upgrading them to modern standards will need multi-agency coordination, regulatory frameworks, and new safety protocols.

Static GK Tip: The IWAI was formed in 1986 under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, aiming to promote and regulate inland water transport.

Environmental and social benefits

The use of electric ferries will reduce carbon emissions and support the city’s fight against air pollution. With more people opting for ferries, road congestion will fall, making city travel faster.

Additionally, better water connectivity can open economic opportunities in tourism and riverfront development.

Integration with existing networks

The Patna Water Metro is expected to be integrated with the upcoming Patna Rail Metro, with key jetties placed near major transport nodes. This will allow commuters to switch between rail, road, and water with ease.

Static GK fact: Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, situated on the southern bank of the Ganga, historically known as Pataliputra.

National policy support

The project aligns with the Jal Marg Vikas Project, an initiative by the central government to improve infrastructure on National Waterway-1. This supports cargo and passenger movement through improved river navigation.

The Water Metro is a step forward in the National Urban Transport Policy, which promotes sustainable urban mobility.

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