After repeated delays and missed deadlines, Bihar’s ambitious Ganga Water Metro project is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. Officials have indicated that the electric water metro service is likely to begin operations in January 2026, marking a significant step in reshaping Patna’s urban transport system. With the vessel completing trial runs and entering the final certification stage, the project has entered what authorities describe as its last preparatory phase. For a city long dependent on congested roads and overcrowded public transport, the Water Metro represents a fresh approach, one that turns the Ganga into a moving lifeline rather than just a silent backdrop to daily life.

Final Certifications Before Formal Inauguration

While the vessel itself is ready, the project is now awaiting final statutory certifications. Once these approvals are secured, MV Gomdhar Kunwar will be formally inaugurated as Bihar’s first Water Metro service. Officials remain optimistic that the remaining paperwork will be completed soon, keeping the January 2026 launch window intact. The administration is keen to avoid further delays, especially after missing earlier target dates tied to major occasions such as Dussehra, Christmas, and Prakash Parv. A January launch would align with the post-holiday travel season, offering commuters and tourists a new way to experience the city.

How the Ganga Water Metro Will Operate

Under the proposed operational plan, the Water Metro will run on a fixed route connecting Digha, NIT Ghat, and Kangan Ghat. The service cycle has been designed around the vessel’s charging needs. The boat will begin its journey from Digha, recharge at NIT Ghat, proceed to Kangan Ghat, return for another recharge, and then head back to its starting point. This carefully planned rotation ensures efficient energy use while maintaining regular service intervals. The electric vessel’s battery takes about 30 minutes to charge, providing approximately 90 minutes of continuous operation, making it suitable for short, frequent urban trips.

Comfort, Capacity, and Commuter Experience

The air-conditioned MV Gomdhar Kunwar is designed to offer a comfortable commuting experience. It can accommodate 50 seated passengers, with standing space for around 25 more. For daily commuters tired of traffic jams, noise, and pollution, the Water Metro promises a quieter, smoother, and more scenic journey along the Ganga. Beyond convenience, the service is expected to appeal to tourists, students, office-goers, and families, turning everyday travel into an experience rather than a chore.

The Ganga Water Metro is part of a broader vision to integrate inland water transport into Patna’s urban mobility ecosystem. For generations, the Ganga has been central to Bihar’s culture, economy, and spiritual life. Now, it is set to become a functional urban corridor—one that connects neighborhoods while respecting the environment.

Why Water Metro Matters: Turning Rivers into Roads for a Cleaner Future

A Water Metro transforms rivers into efficient urban transport corridors, reducing pressure on overcrowded roads and cutting pollution. By using electric boats, it offers a clean, quiet, and affordable commuting option that connects key parts of a city through waterways. Water Metro services improve last-mile connectivity, save travel time, and make daily journeys more comfortable. They also promote sustainable development by lowering carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Beyond transport, a Water Metro enhances tourism and reconnects people with their rivers, turning natural waterways into lifelines that support mobility, the environment, and quality of life.