Bihar Looks to Expand Metro Network with New Survey Reports for Four Cities

Patna: Bihar’s metro rail ambitions are taking significant strides forward as RITES, the state-appointed agency, has submitted its much-anticipated survey report on potential metro operations in Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, and Bhagalpur. The submission, which comes after seven months of detailed study, is now with the Urban Development Department, paving the way for further planning and development.

The report outlines essential details such as the proposed metro route lengths, potential stations, and other infrastructure elements for the four cities. It also offers critical insights into the increasing population demands, which suggest that metro systems are needed to keep pace with urban growth.

Now that the survey has been submitted, the next phase will involve the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The decision on which specific locations and points will be included in the DPR will be taken at the state government level.

While metro work is already underway in Patna, with track laying in progress, these new plans signal the government’s vision to expand metro networks to other key cities in the state. The study conducted by RITES was commissioned to assess the feasibility of similar systems in Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, and Bhagalpur, following the success of Patna’s metro plans. The findings emphasize the urgent need for such transport solutions, driven by the increasing population and urbanization.

Following the submission of the report, the Urban Development Department is now awaiting the state government’s green light to proceed with the next steps. The project’s future now hinges on cabinet approval, with the final decision on the development of the metro network in these cities set to unfold in the coming months.

The report had been initially expected by November 2024, but after a three-month extension, RITES has delivered the comprehensive survey for which the state government is set to pay Rs 7.02 crore. As the detailed planning begins, the government’s decision will ultimately determine how soon the people of these cities will benefit from enhanced metro connectivity.