Patna: Travel between Patna and four major Bihar cities could get faster if a proposed regional rapid transit network moves ahead.
The Bihar government has approached the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to assess the feasibility of four proposed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors connecting Patna with Gaya, Begusarai, Muzaffarpur and Ara.
The proposal is currently at the feasibility assessment stage. No final decision has been taken on operating Namo Bharat trains on any of the four routes.
Patna-Begusarai Corridor To Be The Longest
The proposed Patna Airport-Begusarai corridor would stretch approximately 130 km, making it the longest of the four routes.
The corridor is intended to provide a faster regional connection between Patna and Begusarai if the project is found technically and economically viable.
108-Km Patna-Gaya Route Proposed
A second proposed corridor would connect Patna and Gaya over approximately 108 km.
The route could provide an additional rapid transport option between the two cities, subject to the outcome of the feasibility study and subsequent approvals.
67-Km Corridor To Muzaffarpur
The Bihar government has also proposed a roughly 67-km corridor between Patna and Muzaffarpur.
Both cities are important urban and economic centres, and the proposed RRTS connection is aimed at improving regional mobility between them.
Patna Airport-Ara To Cover 46 Km
The shortest of the four proposed corridors would connect Patna Airport with Ara, covering approximately 46 km.
The proposed route would improve high-speed connectivity between the state capital and Ara in Bhojpur district if it eventually receives approval.
What Will NCRTC Study?
The NCRTC will examine the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed corridors.
The assessment is expected to consider factors including land requirements, technology, estimated costs and the overall viability of operating an RRTS service on each route.
An Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) will be prepared as part of the assessment. The findings will help determine the next stage of planning.
No Decision Yet On Which Route Will Start First
The proposal does not mean that Namo Bharat services have been approved on all four routes.
The Bihar government has requested the feasibility assessment, after which the findings will be considered before further decisions are taken. It is therefore too early to determine which corridor, if any, would be taken up first.
If approved, the proposed network would mark an expansion of the Namo Bharat-style regional rapid transit concept into Bihar, connecting Patna with several major cities through faster regional transport.
