Patna: The Patna Metro will undergo its final trial run today, with a team led by Metro Rail Safety Commissioner Janak Kumar Garg carrying out a detailed inspection of the system. The team will examine the signalling, track strength, braking, and speed performance before giving clearance for the metro’s inauguration.
Officials have said that the date for the launch will be announced only after the safety commissioner’s approval. The trains are expected to operate at a speed of 40km/h.
The first trial took place on September 3 on an 800-metre track inside the depot. Four days later, a three-coach train successfully ran on a 3.6km elevated stretch between ISBT and Bhutnath stations. Inspections of the signalling and track safety were carried out, and technical issues identified at the time were noted for correction. A subsequent review by the safety commissioner’s team was conducted on September 16.
Fares for the metro have been fixed at a minimum of Rs 15, with the journey from New ISBT to Zero Mile costing Rs 15 and from New ISBT to Bhutnath Rs 30. Each coach can accommodate around 300 passengers, allowing a three-coach train to carry up to 900 people. Carriages are equipped with 360-degree cameras, and an emergency red button will connect passengers directly to the driver.
The metro trains have been designed with a cultural flourish: orange-coloured carriages decorated with Madhubani art. Stickers featuring motifs of Golghar, Mahavir Mandir, the Bodhi Tree, Buddhist stupas, and the ruins of Nalanda University have been placed on the exteriors and interiors, including the roofs and windows.
