Patna Water Metro: Patna to launch water metro soon
The advent of water metro services in Patna is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the transportation ecosystem of the city. The announcement made recently by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is a step on the path to utilising the Ganga as an inland water highway. This service intends to address Patna’s perennial traffic jam problem. The water metro as a sustainable mode of urban mobility is a possible solution to the urban transport problems in Patna, which has a growing population and no possibilities for increasing road capacity.
Background
The water metro is an extension of the model used in Kochi, where electric or hybrid ferries began operating on the water in 2023. Kochi introduced a system of electric ferries on a schedule connecting islands to the mainland. Since the introduction of this system, Kochi has realised approximately 40 lakh passengers using its metro service. The proposal for Patna is very much the same as the one proposed in Kochi, dealing only with the transport on the Ganga with respect to an urban east-west axis, as well as the option of developing cross-river routes.
Why Patna Also Needs A Water Metro
Traffic congestion in Patna is severe. The number of vehicles cannot be accommodated by the road space available. Often the traffic on major roads can be rendered completely immobile for hours, which affects the ability of millions of commuters to undertake daily tasks. Further, the topography of the city restricts the ability to expand roads and avoid causing severe disruption to the city. Whereas roads were historically used as the connectors of our urban environments, the famous rivers of our urban centres are utilised to service businesses and the development of a water-way transport system, with an enhanced public river level transport option by water metro would be an innovative solution to the transportation problems of Patna.
Current Status of the Project
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has commissioned a feasibility study by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Initial surveys have been conducted at various ghats along the Ganga, assessing river conditions and commuter demand. The feasibility study will inform route optimisation and cost modelling, with a phased rollout planned based on high-demand areas.
Challenges to Overcome
There are several challenges that need to be overcome for it to be successful. Sedimentation has seasonal effects on navigation and terminal design. Existing ferry operations are informal and lack modern ferry facilities. Conflicting regulatory requirements and regulatory agencies create challenges to ensuring safety and operational viability.
Likely Outcomes of the Water Metro Project
In theory, if the water metro is implemented correctly it can relieve traffic congestion on Patna roads by providing environmentally-friendly transport options. The application of electric ferries should enhance air quality and offer effective emissions reductions. New terminals and jetties should improve passenger and cargo experiences and increase connectivity. The project should promote economic benefits such as job creation and enhanced tourism.
Integration with Existing Transport Systems
The water metro will be an integrated transport option alongside Patna’s new rail metro. By situating water metro terminals at strategic points that extend out from main transport nodes, there should be a seamless connection for short-distance commuters.
National initiatives
Patna’s water metro is aligned with national programs designed to develop and enhance intra-city urban water transport. It provides the benefit of building off of the infrastructure investments, mostly completed by the Jal Marg Vikas Project, which supports National Waterway-1 and should lay the foundation for establishing inland water transport potential, including the unstated ambition of expanding capacity throughout the rest of the country.