Patna: In a milestone for urban transport and river tourism, Patna residents can now cruise along the Ganga as north India’s arguably the first ‘Water Metro’ service began operations on Tuesday. CM Samrat Choudhary flagged off the state-of-the-art catamaran vessel at a ceremony held at Digha Ghat in the state capital.With this launch, Patna has become the second city in India, after Kochi in Kerala, to operate a dedicated water metro system.The initiative, managed and operated by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), connects Digha Ghat to Gandhi Ghat, near NIT Patna, along a scenic 10-km stretch of the river. On its inaugural run on Tuesday, the catamaran vessel (Water Metro) departed from Digha Ghat and reached Gandhi Ghat. It then began its return journey and reached Digha Ghat.“In the future, its operation will be extended up to Kangan Ghat,” a communique issued by the chief minister’s office (CMO) said. With the extension, the Water Metro will cover a 16-km stretch of the river between Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat.The catamaran vessel is fully air-conditioned and uses eco-friendly, electric-powered technology designed to minimise carbon emissions and noise pollution on the river. “It is operated mainly by electric energy. Its operation will not cause water pollution, noise pollution or air pollution. The catamaran vessel is equipped with a hybrid engine. To charge its battery, arrangements have been made for fast chargers and shore chargers at Digha Ghat and Gandhi Ghat,” the CMO said.The vessel has a seating capacity of around 50 passengers and offers modern amenities, including digital display screens and wheelchair accessibility. It is also equipped with a public announcement system, air-conditioning, toilets, wheelchairs and other essential facilities. The service will offer tourists an exciting and pleasant travel experience on the Ganga, the communique said.The CMO said the launch of the Water Metro would ease traffic congestion on Ashok Rajpath and provide Patna residents with a smooth and convenient travel option along the Ganga.