Patna: Patna’s proposed water metro project on Ganga is gaining momentum, with the ambitious initiative expected to transform river transport in the city. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 1,200 crore, will be connected to National Waterway-1 and is expected to provide an alternative mode of transport while opening up new opportunities for river-based tourism and employment.As part of the first phase, world-class river cruise terminals are planned at Kangan Ghat and Pahalwan Ghat. Cruise vessels carrying tourists will be able to berth at these terminals. State govt has allotted two acres of land each at the two ghats to Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Patna, for developing the facilities.Union govt has included Patna among the cities being taken up under National Water Metro initiative. The objective of the project is to introduce modern, low-emission passenger services on the city’s waterways.An IWAI official preferring anonymity said the construction of the two terminals is estimated to cost around Rs 200 crore and is expected to be completed before 2029. The development of the terminals and their surrounding areas is also expected to generate employment in tourism, transport, hospitality and other allied sectors.At Kangan Ghat, the river cruise terminal will be connected to a pontoon in Ganga through a gangway passing beneath J P Ganga Path. The pontoon will be around 150 metres long and will have the capacity to accommodate up to four vessels at a time. A fuel bunkering facility will also be developed to provide fuel to vessels using the terminal.Kangan Ghat facility will include a terminal building and other associated infrastructure, providing a direct link between the road network and the river transport system.The terminal planned at Pahalwan Ghat will follow an elevated design. The terminal building, surrounding area and the ramp connecting the terminal with the pontoon will be constructed at an elevated level. Stone pitching will also be carried out along Ganga bank as part of the development.The water metro plan extends beyond the two cruise terminals. A feasibility exercise by IWAI has identified several potential terminal locations in and around Patna along Ganga and Gandak rivers. The proposed network is intended to connect important riverfront locations and provide an eco-friendly passenger transport option for the city.Earlier, an initial water metro corridor connecting Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat was proposed. Infrastructure for electric-hybrid vessels has also been planned at locations along the river.Patna already has an IWAI terminal at Gaighat on National Waterway-1, which serves vessels operating on Ganga. The proposed passenger terminals at Kangan and Pehlwan ghats would add a new dimension to the city’s river infrastructure.
