Patna: Patna Metro achieved a key milestone on Sunday as the Red Line witnessed its first trial run, moving beyond depot testing to operate between New Pataliputra Bus Terminal and Bhootnath station.
The trial focused on speed, signalling systems and track safety, following the initial test inside the depot on September 3. As the train rolled out of the depot onto the city tracks, large crowds gathered along the roadside to watch, causing a brief traffic jam.
Authorities said the metro, once operational, would significantly ease congestion in the capital and improve mobility. The Red Line, also called the Primary Corridor, will have systematic parking facilities at every station. Officials have also confirmed that encroachment around the stations will be cleared, and strict crowd management protocols adopted as passenger numbers rise.
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, who inspected Zero Mile station last week, emphasised the need for a detailed parking plan to avoid bottlenecks in an area already under pressure from heavy vehicles. Patna district officials also surveyed the Zero Mile site on Saturday, reviewing parking capacity and passenger amenities.
The metro is expected to be launched by the end of this month, with authorities aiming to resolve last-mile challenges before its inauguration.
