Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced major inland waterway projects in Bihar, including a proposed Water Metro in Patna, modeled after Kochi’s system.

Aimed at revitalizing River Ganga as a key transport and trade route, the initiative includes 16 new community jetties, boosting access for farmers and traders. Bihar will also receive two hybrid catamaran vessels, Ro-Pax terminals, and Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms for smoother navigation. Patna is poised to become a logistics hub, integrating road, rail, and waterways, including Nepal-bound trade via Kalughat Terminal. A new ship repair and construction facility is also planned. The National Inland Navigation Institute in Patna will be upgraded into a Centre of Excellence. These developments fall under the ₹5,061 crore Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), now 68.86% complete, which has already increased cargo traffic by 220%. The project also includes strong environmental safeguards like bio-toilets and dolphin-friendly navigation technologies.