Patna: Patna is moving closer to a larger metro network, with officials planning to purchase a dedicated train for the upcoming Khemnichak to Mithapur route. The new train will be used on Corridor 1, which is expected to become operational by the end of this year. Officials from Patna Metro Rail Corporation said discussions are underway on buying the train directly rather than taking one on lease, a move that could save money over time and support long-term operations.
The proposed train set will include one locomotive and three passenger coaches. Its cost is estimated to be between Rs 36 crore and Rs 42 crore. At present, the Patna Metro has only one train, which is operating on the ISBT to Bhutnath stretch. That train has been leased from Pune Metro for three years. The lease cost is Rs 21.15 crore, and this amount also includes insurance. Officials said that once the Corridor 1 section is ready, the existing leased train will be shifted to another route, while the new purchased train will begin service on the Khemnichak to Mithapur line.
The Khemnichak to Mithapur section is considered an important part of Corridor 1 because it connects several growing residential and commercial areas in the city. Officials said around 70% of construction work on this route has already been completed. The corridor will include four stations: Khemnichak, Jaganpura, Ramkrishna Nagar and Mithapur. Once operational, the route is expected to reduce travel time for thousands of commuters. Students, workers and daily passengers are likely to benefit the most, especially those who currently depend on crowded roads and slow traffic through central Patna.
The larger Patna Metro project covers a 31.9km network and is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Bihar. It is being built at a cost of Rs 13,365 crore and will eventually connect Danapur in the west to Patna City in the east. The metro is expected to transform public transport in the state capital, which has seen rapid population growth and increasing traffic pressure. Officials also confirmed that the safety inspection for the Bhutnath to Malahi Pakri section has been completed by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety. The state government is now preparing for its formal launch, which is expected to be inaugurated by Samrat Choudhary once a final date is approved.
As construction progresses, Patna’s metro project is being seen as a major shift in the city’s transport future. For years, residents have relied mainly on roads that are often congested, especially during peak hours. The metro is expected to offer a faster, cleaner and more reliable option for daily travel. With new train purchases now under discussion and additional sections nearing completion, the city’s long-awaited modern rail system is steadily taking shape.
