The first water metro vessel reached Patna, will boost tourism.

Patna, September 27, 2025: The people of Patna are set to receive two transport gifts in the form of the first water metro service and the city’s first metro train soon.

The electric vessel for the Ganga Water Metro MV Gomdhar Kunwar has arrived in the state capital on Saturday.

The state-of-the-art vessel was welcomed at the high-level port in Gaighat by Island Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) officials, including regional director Arvind Kumar, deputy director Amit Kumar and technical expert Sanjay Verma.

Water Metro Vessel built at the cost of Rs 12 crore:

Built at a cost of Rs 12 crore by Hoogly Cochin Shipyard Limited in Howrah, Kolkata, the air-conditioned vessel can seat 50 passengers and accommodate 25 standing travelers.

Equipped with four large AC units, CCTV cameras, LCDs, a sound system, and panoramic glass interiors, it promises a scenic and comfortable ride along the Ganga.

Water Metro vessel will operate between Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat:

The electric ship will initially operate between Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat, covering a distance of 9.5 KM, with charging points set up at Digha and Gaighat. The service will be extended to six to seven more routes.

Its fast charging battery takes just 30 minutes to charge, enabling a 90-minute cruising range.

Before commencing public operations during Dussehra, MV Gomdhar Kunwar will undergo a two-day technical service and trial run on the 6.5 KM stretch between Gaighat and Kangan Ghat.

Fares are expected to be in the range of Rs 20 to Rs 30 per km per person.

The Water metro project is a joint initiative of the Bihar Tourism Department and the Island Waterways Authority of India, formalized through an agreement signed on September 20 in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

With both the Patna Metro and the Ganga Water Metro nearing launch, the city is on track to witness a major transformation in urban and river transport, providing residents and tourists with faster, cleaner and more scenic travel options.

Also Read: Water metro project to span 50 km on Ganga from Chhapra to Vaishali, study underway.

EOM.