Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced a major infrastructure initiative to enhance inland waterways in Bihar during the inaugural session of the Consultative Workshop on Inland Waterways Development in Patna. The event gathered notable political figures, including Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, and DMs from various states, aiming to explore sustainable development on National Waterway-1 (River Ganga).
Sonowal highlighted plans to introduce a Water Metro in Patna, modeled after Kochi’s success, which will improve urban mobility by connecting both banks of the river. Additionally, a Ship Repair Facility is set to be established in Patna to foster a robust inland vessel ecosystem, supporting both repairs and new ship construction. He emphasized that these developments mark a pivotal step toward revitalizing the Ganga as a sustainable transport route.
Moreover, a Joint Task Force will be created to collaborate on sustainable initiatives, and Patna’s National Inland Navigation Institute is being upgraded as a Centre of Excellence. Community jetties and infrastructure will enhance passenger movement, positioning Patna as a logistics hub for northern Bihar and facilitating trade with Nepal.
Under Modi’s leadership, India’s inland waterways have transformed dramatically, with cargo movement and operational waterways significantly increased. The Jal Marg Vikas Project aims to ensure smooth navigation and promote eco-friendly transportation, as the government invests heavily in expanding the network to bolster economic growth.
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