Patna: Patna’s metro services came to an unexpected halt on Wednesday, just 76 days after the system’s inauguration, with the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL) citing technical issues as the cause.
In a public notice, the PMRCL stated that metro trains would not operate on Wednesday due to an unforeseen malfunction. The corporation apologised for the disruption and urged commuters to make alternative travel arrangements while assuring that efforts were underway to restore services as quickly as possible.
The priority corridor of the Patna Metro was inaugurated by the state Chief Minister on October 6, with public operations beginning the following day. Currently, trains run between Bhutnath, Zero Mile, and ISBT. Passenger numbers had been steadily increasing, making Wednesday’s sudden suspension an inconvenience for daily commuters.
Meanwhile, work on the second phase of the metro is progressing rapidly. The extension between Bhutnath and Malahi Pakri is expected to commence soon, expanding the network to five stations. Reports indicate that more than 90% of the work has been completed, with Malahi Pakri station ready and construction at Khemnichak advancing swiftly.
The line from Malahi Pakri to Rajendra Nagar is planned as an underground route, with completion targeted for June next year. Track laying is currently underway in the underground section between Rajendra Nagar and Patna University, a densely populated area. In addition, soil testing and boring are being conducted at 12 locations along Nehru Path for the underground stretch from Rukanpura to Junction.
