Union Minister Sonowal unveils ₹35,000 crore inland waterways plan in Patna to boost freight, tourism, and green mobility
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced a comprehensive infrastructure plan to transform Bihar into a major inland waterways hub. Speaking at a consultative workshop on National Waterway-1 (Ganga) in Patna, he revealed projects worth ₹35,000 crore to be executed by 2030 for boosting freight movement, green mobility, and river-based commerce.
Key announcements included two hybrid catamaran vessels, installation of QPOMs at four locations, two Ro-PAX terminals, and 16 new community jetties in Bihar. A ship repair and construction facility is also planned in Patna, along with the proposal to introduce a Water Metro based on Kochi’s model.
A Joint Task Force will be formed with IWAI and the Bihar Government to drive sustainable development along NW-1. The National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI) in Patna will be upgraded to a Centre of Excellence.
Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, cargo movement has surged by 220%, and infrastructure is over 68% complete. Patna is set to emerge as the water transport hub of eastern India.
Source: PIB Delhi
