Patna: The Patna Metro project is still awaiting its full entry into the city’s key areas, resulting in a continuous decline in passenger numbers and revenue generation.
During the initial phase of operations, the metro was recording more than 5,000 passengers daily. However, the average ridership has now dropped sharply to between 500 and 900 passengers per day. As a result, the metro is reportedly earning only around Rs 13,500 daily, while payments of approximately Rs 18.66 lakh are being made to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for operational expenses.
Metro services have been operational on the 3.45-km stretch between Pataliputra Bus Terminal and Bhootnath station since October 6, 2025.
Approval Awaited for Malahi Pakri Extension
The 2.75-km metro track between Bhootnath and Malahi Pakri has already been completed. On April 27, Chief Metro Rail Safety Commissioner Neelabhra Sen Gupta conducted a nearly seven-hour detailed inspection of the corridor.
During the inspection, a few deficiencies were identified, and directions were issued to rectify them. Officials said the remaining work had received positive feedback from the commissioner.
According to Patna Metro authorities, the suggested corrections have already been completed and a compliance report has been submitted. However, even after nearly a month, the final approval report from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is still awaited.
Patna Metro PRO Archana Khushi said the inspection was conducted a month ago and all suggested works have been completed as per the commissioner’s directions.
“The report has been sent to the CMRS. Metro operations on the extended route will begin as soon as the final clearance is received,” she said.
Ridership Expected to Increase After City Connectivity
Officials believe passenger numbers will rise significantly once metro connectivity expands deeper into the city. After the Malahi Pakri extension becomes operational, metro services in Patna will expand to a total length of 6.2 km.
Passengers will then be able to travel between Malahi Pakri, Bhootnath, Zero Mile and Pataliputra Bus Terminal stations.
However, trains will not stop at Khemnichak station for now. The station is being developed as an interchange hub, and construction work there is still underway.
Rs 13,365 Crore Project Under Construction
Patna is currently witnessing the construction of a 31.9-km-long metro network being developed at a cost of Rs 13,365 crore.
As part of future expansion plans, work has started on installing electric poles along the elevated route between Khemnichak and Mithapur. Track-laying work is expected to begin soon, and authorities aim to operationalise this section by December this year.
Once opened, commuters from Jaganpura, Ramkrishnanagar and Mithapur are expected to benefit from improved connectivity.
Tunnel Work Targeted for Completion by 2027
Under Corridor-2, tunnel construction is underway between Moin-ul-Haq Stadium and Rajendra Nagar Terminal, which will eventually connect to Malahi Pakri.
Tunnel work from Moin-ul-Haq Stadium to Gandhi Maidan via Patna University and PMCH is in its final stage, while construction beyond Akashvani station is continuing.
The tender process for laying tracks inside the tunnel is currently underway. Authorities are targeting the completion and operational launch of the underground corridor by the end of 2027.
