Patna Water Metro Service on the Ganga River is likely to launch in January 2026.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News.
Patna, December 23, 2025: After months of delay, preparation for the launch of the water metro service on the Ganga River is now in its final stages, with operation expected to begin in January 2026.
The service was originally planned to be launched during the Dussehra festival, but was postponed due to multiple technical and procedural hurdles.
Several major festivals, including Diwali and Chhath, have passed since then, and the year 2025 is nearing its end.
The much-awaited electric vessel, MV Gomdhar Kunwar, has now reached Patna near Gaighat port from the Hooghly River in Howrah, Kolkata.
The vessel has been built by Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited at a cost of Rs 12 crore.
Successful trial runs of water metro vessel, certificate awaited:
Arvind Kumar, Director of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Patna, said that the technical inspection of the vessel has been completed and that its trial run on the Ganga River was successful.
However, the water metro service is yet to receive registration and survey certificates from the West Bengal government, which are mandatory before commercial operations can begin.
He added that the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has already inspected and certified the vessel, and the survey report has been received, though the final certificate is still awaited.
Charging infrastructure under development:
To support the operation of the electric vessel, charging points will be installed on floating community jetties along the route between Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat.
This work will be carried out by the Bihar government.
According to the operational plan, the vessel will start its journey from Digha Ghat, where it will depart with a full charge.
It will then stop at NIT Ghat for its first recharge before proceeding to Kangan Ghat.
On the return journey, the vessel will again recharge at NIT Ghat before arriving back at Digha Ghat.
The tourism department is also planning to install a charging facility at Kangan Ghat, for which the tendering process is currently underway.
The vessel’s battery can be fully charged in approximately 30 minutes, enabling it to operate continuously for about one and a half hours.
Water metro will boost the river tourism:
The air-conditioned water metro vessel has a seating capacity of 50 passengers, along with standing space for around 25 people.
The project aims to provide safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel for tourists on the Ganga River and is expected to significantly boost river tourism in the region.
Once operational, the water metro service is likely to become a major attraction for both local residents and visitors, offering a modern and scenic travel experience along the sacred river.
Also Read: Patna’s water metro completed a successful trial run on the Ganga River, and the launch is soon.
EOM.