Patna: The Bihar government is planning to introduce a capsule-style automated transport system in Patna as part of a broader push to modernise urban mobility in the state capital. The proposed “Ultra Pod” network will link several key administrative buildings around the Old Secretariat area, offering a fast and efficient mode of travel for officials and visitors.
A high-level meeting on the project was held on Monday between chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit and representatives from engineering firm Larsen & Toubro. During the meeting, the company presented the detailed concept and implementation plan for the Ultra Pod system, outlining its technical framework and operational model.
The project is estimated to cost about Rs 296 crore and will run on a dedicated track stretching nearly five kilometres. According to the proposal, the route will begin at Visvesvaraya Bhavan and pass through Vikas Bhavan and the Bihar legislative assembly before reaching the Old Secretariat complex. Officials say that once the necessary administrative approvals are granted, construction could be completed within 15 months.
The Ultra Pod system is based on Personal Rapid Transit technology, which uses small automated vehicles operating on a fixed guideway. These capsule-like pods carry passengers directly from one station to another without unnecessary stops. The system is fully driverless, relying on automated control and navigation to ensure smooth and efficient travel.
Under the current proposal, around 59 pods will operate along the route, each capable of carrying up to six passengers. A new pod will be available at stations every seven seconds, allowing commuters to move quickly between offices and reducing travel delays during busy administrative hours.
In the first phase, nine stations are planned along the corridor, with parking facilities near two of them. The network will also include a centralised control room for operations and monitoring, as well as a dedicated parking facility for the pods. Each vehicle will be equipped with surveillance cameras and run on an advanced automated management system.
Officials say the project has been designed to be environmentally friendly, with authorities indicating that no trees will be cut during construction of the track. By reducing the number of official vehicles in the area, the system is also expected to ease traffic congestion and lower pollution levels around government offices.
The Ultra Pod service is expected to play a key role in managing peak-hour congestion during office timings. Authorities have indicated that fares will remain minimal to encourage wider use, with passengers able to access the system through token-based or rechargeable card payments.
