The union minister of ports, shipping and waterways has announced various infrastructure development initiatives to boost inland waterways in Bihar. A special task force will be constituted to boost the inland waterways transport along national waterways (NW) – 1 to facilitate cargo vessel, river cruise and passenger ferrying facility.
Patna is being considered to introduce water metro, replicating the successful model of Kochi water metro. Besides, a ship repair facility will be set up in Patna to support a robust inland vessel ecosystem. This facility will also be equipped to construct new ships.
The plan also includes the deployment of two hybrid electric catamaran vessels, the installation of quick pontoon opening mechanisms at four locations, the construction of two roll-on/roll-off passenger (ro-pax) terminals, and the addition of 16 new community jetties to supplement the existing 21.