Patna's National Inland Navigation Institute to Pioneer FRP Boat Construction Training in Bihar
In a significant development for Bihar's inland water transport sector, the National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI) in Patna is set to launch specialized training programs for constructing fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats starting March. This initiative marks the first such formal training facility for FRP boat manufacturing within the state, addressing a critical gap in Bihar's maritime infrastructure.
Addressing Bihar's Dependence on External FRP Boat Sources
Currently, Bihar relies entirely on importing FRP boats from other states despite having approximately 1,550 river ghats across its geography. According to NINI project director Dr (Capt) Inderveer Solanki, these lightweight vessels are manufactured in multiple locations including Goa, Chennai, Kolkata, Odisha, Noida, and Roorkee, but not a single production facility exists within Bihar.
"FRP boats can be a major mode of waterways transport," emphasized Solanki. "The course is to start in March. At present, we train professionals in sailing FRP boats, but the course will generate employment and help people manufacture such boats within the state itself."
Technical and Economic Advantages of FRP Boats
The training program focuses on constructing boats approximately 10 metres in length, with each vessel taking about four months to complete. Construction materials will be sourced from established centers in Kolkata and Mumbai initially. Solanki highlighted several key advantages of FRP boats:
- Lightweight construction compared to traditional wooden boats
- Lower maintenance costs with repairs potentially unnecessary for up to 10 years
- Cost-effective production once local manufacturing capabilities are established
- Environmental benefits as river transport creates less pollution than road or rail alternatives
Broader Implications for Bihar's Transport Ecosystem
The initiative promises to transform Bihar's transportation landscape in multiple ways:
- Reduced traffic congestion by shifting goods transportation to waterways
- Fewer road accidents as heavy goods move via river routes
- Easier transportation of commodities like sand and vegetables
- Employment generation through new manufacturing skills and boat operation
- Economic development by keeping boat construction expenditure within the state
Government Engagement and Future Prospects
NINI's project director recently briefed Rural Development and Transport Minister Shrawan Kumar about this groundbreaking initiative. The minister is scheduled to participate in the third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council in Kochi on Friday, where discussions will focus on Bihar's waterways potential and associated challenges.
Minister Kumar has already undertaken an assessment tour, traveling on a water metro vessel from Gaighat to Digha Ghat to evaluate water transport possibilities firsthand. This government engagement underscores the strategic importance being placed on developing Bihar's inland waterways as a cheaper and more environment-friendly transportation alternative.
Training Structure and Capacity Building
The NINI training program will accommodate batches of 25-30 participants, providing comprehensive instruction in FRP boat construction techniques. As an institution that already trains professionals for the inland water transport sector under the Inland Waterways Authority of India, NINI is well-positioned to expand its curriculum to include manufacturing skills.
This development represents a crucial step toward self-reliance in maritime infrastructure for Bihar, potentially transforming the state's relationship with its extensive river networks while creating sustainable employment opportunities in an emerging technical field.
