Patna: In a major boost to urban infrastructure and public transport in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday inaugurated the first operational stretch of the much-anticipated Patna Metro Rail Project. The inauguration came just hours before the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
The inaugurated stretch is part of the “priority corridor” of the metro and comprises a 3.45-kilometre elevated track, covering three stations — Patliputra Bus Terminal, Zero Mile, and Bhoothnath.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Singh, as well as senior cabinet members and top bureaucrats, CM Nitish Kumar also took a brief ride on the newly launched metro train after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Metro Operations Begin with Public Access, 42 Trips Daily
As per officials, the Patna Metro will operate daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, with trains running every 20 minutes during operational hours. The system is expected to complete 40 to 42 trips each day.
Each coach is designed to carry a high passenger load with:
- 138 seats
- Standing capacity for 945 passengers
- 12 reserved seats per train for women and differently-abled commuters
- Modern amenities like mobile and laptop charging ports
Notably, the interiors of the metro coaches are adorned with Madhubani paintings, celebrating Bihar’s cultural heritage and adding a unique aesthetic touch to the modern transit system.
Read also: CM Nitish Kumar Launches Rabi Campaign 2025–26 in Bihar to Boost Crop Yield and Farmer Awareness
Affordable Fare Structure
The fare system for the metro has been kept affordable to encourage widespread usage:
- ₹15 from Patliputra Bus Terminal to Zero Mile
- ₹30 up to Bhoothnath station
Officials noted that fares will be reviewed and adjusted based on ridership and operational costs in the future.
Foundation Laid for Underground Stations and Tunnel
In addition to the inauguration, CM Nitish Kumar also laid the foundation stones for six underground metro stations, including the critical Patna Junction station, and a 9.35-km-long tunnel that will connect them.
This segment forms a part of Corridor 1 (Red Line) and is designed to serve some of the busiest parts of Patna. The project for this underground stretch will be executed at a cost of ₹2,565.80 crore, with a targeted completion time of 42 months, officials said.
Patna Metro Project: Overview and Vision
The Patna Metro Rail Project, with an overall cost of ₹13,925.5 crore, is being jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of India, and the Government of Bihar.
The project envisions two key corridors:
- Red Line (Corridor 1): 16.86 km, covering major arterial routes
- Blue Line (Corridor 2): 14.56 km
- Total stations planned: 24
- Expected full-scale operations: By 2027
Enhanced Security and Infrastructure Preparedness
The security of the metro system will be handled by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) to ensure safety of commuters and infrastructure. Advanced surveillance and emergency response systems are being installed across stations and in trains to handle any contingencies.
Metro Project Tied to Urban Growth and Mobility Goals
Speaking at the event, CM Nitish Kumar emphasized the role of the Patna Metro in transforming urban mobility in Bihar’s capital. “The metro will significantly reduce travel time, decongest traffic, and provide citizens with a reliable, modern mode of transportation. It’s a step forward towards making Patna a smart and sustainable city,” he said.
He also noted the employment generation and urban development potential that the metro project brings with it, aligning with the state’s broader infrastructure and growth vision.
Public Reception and Political Timing
While the inauguration has been widely welcomed, political observers have noted the strategic timing, coming just hours before the election announcement. However, the government maintains that the project was on schedule and the inauguration reflects the state’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
With the first stretch now open to the public and major works underway, Patna Metro is poised to redefine how the city moves, blending tradition with technology and modern urban infrastructure.
