Patna, 8 January (ABI) A plan is underway to run a water metro on the Ganges River in Patna, the capital of Bihar, following the model of Kerala's Kochi Water Metro. Kochi Water Metro's Managing Director Loknath Behra told UNI today that high-level talks are ongoing with the Bihar government to launch this eco-friendly transportation service. This eco-friendly and high-tech water metro will be based on fully electric hybrid boats that will protect the environment with zero carbon emissions. The boats, equipped with modern facilities, will be fully air-conditioned. Given Kochi's success, it is being considered a sustainable and future model of transportation for Patna.
According to the initial plan, the service will connect key locations in Patna, primarily Gaighat, Mahendru Ghat, and Kangan Ghat. There is also a proposal to build stations at 10 ghats along the Ganges River, including Panapur Ghat, Thakur Mahato Ghat, Narial Ghat, Deegha Ghat, Kali Ghat, Kunhara Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Checher Ghat, Mahendru Ghat, and Kanchna Ghat.
The water metro will greatly benefit residents, allowing them to travel at a lower cost and in less time. A 45-kilometer-long DPR is being prepared at a cost of approximately Rs 769 crore for the project. It is said that the launch of this service will reduce traffic congestion on Patna's roads, resulting in a decrease in travel time that currently takes hours. Moreover, passing close to the historic ghats of the Ganges, it will also become a major attraction for river tourism.
