JUNE 16: The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has unveiled a transformative infrastructure roadmap to rejuvenate inland waterways in Bihar, positioning Patna as a pivotal water transport hub on the Ganga (National Waterway-1). This announcement came during a high-level Consultative Workshop in Patna, attended by senior union and state leaders, including ministers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
To modernize water transport, the Centre will deploy two hybrid electric catamarans, install Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOMs) at four strategic points, and construct two Ro-PAX terminals. In addition, 16 new community jetties will be developed across key districts of Bihar, adding to the 21 existing ones. These facilities will enhance river-based trade, connectivity, and tourism, especially for farmers and small businesses.
Patna may also witness the introduction of a Water Metro, inspired by the Kochi model, to offer sustainable, cross-river urban mobility. A Ship Repair and Construction Facility is also planned in Patna, bolstering the inland vessel ecosystem. Furthermore, the National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI) will be upgraded into a Centre of Excellence for inland water transport.
Sonowal also announced the formation of a Joint Task Force with the Government of Bihar, IWAI, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to explore long-term sustainable development on the Ganga.
The flagship Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), launched in 2018 with a ₹5,061 crore budget, has achieved 68.86% completion and has increased cargo traffic on NW-1 by 220% from 2014–2025. The sector has seen 700% growth in cargo movement, and the number of operational waterways has expanded from 3 in 2014 to 29 across 11 states.
India now operates 124 terminals and carries over 145 million tonnes of cargo annually through inland waterways. With a ₹35,000 crore pipeline of projects envisioned by 2030 and increased government funding, the waterways sector is being developed as a green, efficient, and strategic logistics network, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a sustainable Bharat.