Patna Metro Gears Up for August Launch on Priority Corridor

Patna: Preparations for the launch of metro services on Patna Metro’s priority corridor—stretching from Malahi Pakri to ISBT—by August are gaining momentum. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) sources have claimed that track-laying work on the corridor will begin next month.

An order has been placed for a metro rake comprising six to seven coaches, which is expected to reach Patna within three to four months. In the meantime, work on laying tracks, as well as installing electrical, signal, and telecom systems, will be completed. Trial runs will follow to ensure compliance with safety standards before passenger services commence.

The metro depot, being constructed on 76 acres near ISBT in Bairia, is expected to be completed by March. Final touches are being given to the facility, which will house metro washing and maintenance pits, a control room, a stabling line, an electrical substation, an automatic coach wash plant, and a workshop shed.

The 6.5km priority corridor will have five elevated metro stations—Malahi Pakri, Khemnichak, Bhootnath, Zeromile, and New ISBT. The agency responsible for installing automatic fare collection machines, screen doors, and gate systems at these stations has been selected. Work on pre-fabricated station structures will be carried out simultaneously with track, electrical, and signaling installations.

Meanwhile, the Bihar government is advancing plans to introduce metro services in Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, and Bhagalpur. The Urban Development and Housing Department had entrusted the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) with conducting feasibility surveys in July 2024. While the reports for Muzaffarpur, Gaya, and Bhagalpur have been submitted, the report for Darbhanga is still pending.