Patna: Metro rail services in Patna are set to commence on August 23, with operations beginning at three stations in the initial phase. The launch, originally scheduled for August 15, was delayed due to persistent monsoon rainfall. The Nitish-led government has also unveiled special provisions aimed at ensuring safer and more convenient travel for women passengers.
In a move to strengthen last-mile connectivity, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) will integrate pink buses—reserved exclusively for women—at all metro stations. In the first phase, metro trains will operate on the ISBT to Bhootnath corridor, covering three stations: ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhootnath. Two additional stations—Khemnichak and Malahi Pakadi—are expected to be operational by September.
To enhance this initiative, 10 pink buses will initially run on key routes from metro stations to major city areas such as Gandhi Maidan, Patna Junction, Boring Road, Bailey Road, Saguna Mod, Danapur, Pataliputra Station, Kurji, and Patna City. This service aims to provide women with safe and direct transportation to workplaces and residential areas.
A total of 80 new pink buses will be deployed across Bihar from August, with 35 earmarked specifically for the capital. Areas currently without pink bus service will be covered starting in September.
In addition to pink buses, city ride buses catering to all passengers will also be linked with metro stations to ensure broader public access. This dual-service model is seen as a major step towards improving the capital’s public transport infrastructure by making it more inclusive and efficient.
