Patna Ganga Water Metro: The much-anticipated Patna Ganga Water Metro is expected to finally begin operations after months of delay in January 2026.
The electric vessel earmarked for the service, MV Gomdhar Kunwar, is presently berthed near Gaighat on the Ganges.
The electric vessel is built by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited on the banks of the Hooghly River in Howrah at a cost of Rs. 12 crore. Originally, the vessel was scheduled to be launched during Dussehra last year.
Arvind Kumar, director of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Patna, said the vessel had completed technical inspections and trial runs on the Ganges. “The survey report from the Indian Register of Shipping has been received. However, the registration and survey certificates from the West Bengal government are still awaited. The process is under way,” he said.
Will It Launch In January 2026?
January 2026 has been set as the target date. However, infrastructure work remains incomplete.
Charging points for the electric vessel are yet to be installed at Digha and NIT Ghat, where floating community jetties are also required to begin operations between Digha, NIT Ghat and Kangan Ghat.
What’s The Planned Route Of The Patna Ganga Water Metro?
Under the planned route, the Patna Ganga Water Metro will depart from Digha, recharge at NIT Ghat, travel onwards to Kangan Ghat and then return to NIT Ghat for another recharge before heading back to Digha.
A separate charging facility is also being planned at Kangan Ghat, which is currently in the tendering stage.
What’s The Seating Capacity Of The Patna Ganga Water Metro?
The Patna Ganga Water Metro has seating capacity for 50 passengers, with standing room for around 25 more. The air-conditioned vessel’s battery can be charged in about 30 minutes, which will allow it to operate for approximately one and a half hours at a time.