Bihar to Become Inland Waterways Hub with Major Infra Push on River Ganga

In a landmark move to enhance the inland waterways ecosystem in Bihar, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a transformative infrastructure roadmap during the first Consultative Workshop on Inland Waterways Development on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), held in Patna. The event marks a pivotal moment in India's efforts to mainstream sustainable water-based transport along the river Ganga.

Workshop Unites Central and State Leadership

The workshop, chaired by Shri Sonowal, brought together key central and state leaders including Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Samrat Chaudhary and Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Bihar Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Bihar Transport Minister Sheela Kumari, Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, and West Bengal Irrigation & Waterways Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia. Members of Parliament including Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and Shri Sudama Prasad also participated. Senior officials like Amrit Lal Meena, Chief Secretary of Bihar, and IWAI Chairman Shri Vijay Kumar, along with top bureaucrats from concerned ministries, added institutional weight to the workshop.

Ganga: Cultural Backbone and Economic Lifeline

Shri Sonowal delivered a stirring address, reverently invoking the river Ganga not only as a sacred cultural emblem but also as a strategic economic corridor. “The Ganga is the heartbeat of Indian civilization,” he said, “and as we meet in Patna—cradled by her banks—we reaffirm our resolve to make this sacred river an engine of modern development.” He emphasized the unique advantages of Inland Water Transport (IWT)—notably its cost-efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and ability to handle bulk and heavy cargo with ease.

Major Announcements: Transforming Patna into a Water Transport Hub

At the heart of the workshop were several game-changing announcements that will position Bihar—and particularly Patna—as a major node in India's inland waterways grid:

• Patna Water Metro: A feasibility study is underway to replicate the successful Kochi Water Metro model in Patna. This proposed system would connect both banks of the Ganga and introduce a clean, modern, and efficient urban transit system, alleviating pressure on road infrastructure.

• Ship Repair and Construction Facility: A dedicated facility in Patna will provide vital support for vessel maintenance and shipbuilding—strengthening the inland vessel ecosystem and generating local employment.

• Joint Task Force: A new institutional mechanism comprising the Government of Bihar, IWAI, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways will be set up to monitor, evaluate, and promote river-centric development in Bihar.

• Centre of Excellence at NINI: The National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI), based in Patna, is being upgraded with new infrastructure and investment, transforming it into a Centre of Excellence for inland water navigation training and research.

Community-Centric Infrastructure and Eco-Friendly Innovation

To empower local economies and improve passenger mobility, the Union Minister announced several infrastructure additions:

• 16 New Community Jetties across strategic locations in Bihar, supplementing the existing 21 jetties. These will serve as critical access points for farmers, traders, and small businesses to reach river-based markets.

• Two Ro-Pax Terminals and Two Hybrid Electric Catamaran Vessels will enhance eco-friendly passenger transport.

• Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOMs) at four locations will reduce delays and improve operational flexibility during emergencies or peak loads.

These measures will help turn Patna into a logistics hub for Northern Bihar, while the Kalughat Terminal is being developed to serve Nepal-bound trade, further integrating regional road and rail networks.

Jal Marg Vikas Project: Progress and Environmental Safeguards

The announcements align with the ongoing Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)—India’s largest inland water development initiative on NW-1 from Haldia to Varanasi (1,390 km). With a budget of ₹5,061.15 crore approved in January 2018, JMVP has achieved 68.86% physical completion as of May 2025. Cargo traffic has increased by 220%, reaching 16.38 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024–25, up from 5.05 MMT in 2014–15.

JMVP’s components include:

• Cargo terminals

• Fairway maintenance

• Navigational locks to reduce transit time

• Community jetties supporting over 1.2 lakh passengers daily

• Cruise terminals and eco-tourism support infrastructure

• Bio-toilets, zero-liquid discharge norms, and sonar-based pingers to protect aquatic wildlife like Gangetic dolphins

Pan-India Inland Waterways Boom Under Modi Government

Shri Sonowal highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the inland waterways sector has surged:

• Operational National Waterways increased from 3 in 2014 to 29 in 2025

• Cargo movement rose 700% since 2014

• Investments surged by 510%

• Cruise routes grew by 333% since 2013

• Total navigable length of declared National Waterways now stands at 20,187 km across 23 States and 4 Union Territories

• 124 terminals (27 permanent, 97 floating) are currently operational

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is now conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal depth surveys monthly to maintain Least Available Depth (LAD). Survey coverage is expected to expand from 11 states in FY24 to 22 states and 4 UTs by FY27.

To support this ambitious roadmap, the ministry has prepared a ₹35,000 crore project pipeline, including private sector participation. The annual budget has also been raised by 48%, from ₹1,203 crore in FY24 to ₹1,752 crore in FY25.

The consultative workshop in Patna is not just a forum for discussion but a definitive statement of the government’s commitment to making Bihar a flagship state for sustainable inland water transport. Through green mobility, cargo efficiency, and employment creation, these projects seek to revitalize Ganga not only as a sacred river but as a vibrant economic artery.