Patna, Nov 11: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday launched a catamaran service on the Ganga river between Digha Ghat and Gandhi Ghat in Patna, aiming to promote eco-friendly tourism and provide an alternative mode of transport, PTI reported.

Source: PTI

Flagging off the water metro service from Digha Ghat, the chief minister said the state tourism department's initiative would offer tourists and locals a modern and convenient transport facility while boosting river tourism, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office.

The 50-seater vessel is equipped with a hybrid engine and operates primarily on electric power, helping minimise air, water and noise pollution, the statement said. The catamaran is fitted with air-conditioning, an announcement system, toilets and wheelchair access, and fast-charging and shore-charging facilities have been installed at Digha (Meenar Ghat) and Gandhi Ghat.

Source: Patna Press

The service will operate between Digha Ghat and Gandhi Ghat, with plans to extend it to Kangan Ghat in a future phase, reports said.

The fare has been fixed at Rs 50 for each adult. Tickets are currently available at the counter at Digha Ghat, with online booking expected to be introduced soon, PTI reported.