Patna: The long-cherished dream of a metro rail in Bihar’s capital is finally becoming a reality. On Monday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate the first phase of the Patna Metro, launching operations on the Bhootnath–New ISBT corridor, a 4.3-kilometre stretch featuring three stations — ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhootnath Road.
At the same ceremony, the Chief Minister will also lay the foundation stone for six underground metro stations, including Patna Junction, and a 9.35-kilometre tunnel forming a vital part of Corridor One. With this, Bihar will officially join India’s growing list of cities with operational metro systems.
A blend of modern transit and heritage
पटना मेट्रो अब सपना नहीं, हकीकत बनकर तैयार है!
माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री नीतीश कुमार जी के कुशल नेतृत्व व मार्गदर्शन में पटना मेट्रो की शुरुआत होने वाली है। पटना मेट्रो के लिए ₹13,365 करोड़ का बजट आवंटित किया गया।
प्रथम चरण में 4.3 किलोमीटर लंबे रूट से इसकी शुरुआत हो रही है… pic.twitter.com/kUqRYJpsLS
— IPRD Bihar (@IPRDBihar) October 4, 2025
In a unique tribute to Bihar’s artistic legacy, the metro coaches have been adorned with Madhubani paintings. The interiors and exteriors of the train feature colourful depictions of landmarks such as the Golghar, Mahavir Temple, Mahabodhi Tree, and Nalanda ruins. “The design aims to connect Bihar’s modern progress with its timeless cultural identity,” said a senior Patna Metro official.
The Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) has completed final preparations, with safety and technical approvals already secured. Metro Rail Safety Commissioner Janak Kumar Garg cleared the line for operations after inspecting signalling systems, braking mechanisms, and overall track stability.
Passenger experience and safety
The inaugural service will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with trains scheduled every 20 minutes. The fare will range from Rs 15 to Rs 30, depending on the distance. Each train — consisting of three coaches — can carry up to 945 passengers, including 138 seated, and features reserved seating for women and persons with disabilities.
The metro’s design prioritises passenger safety: 360-degree CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and red panic buttons are installed in every coach. Passengers can speak directly to the driver in emergencies, and real-time footage will be monitored from the control centre.
Display screens will provide live updates on upcoming stations, while charging ports for phones and laptops cater to modern commuters.
Foundation for the future
पटना मेट्रो की सौगात
अब पटना भी मेट्रो सिटी!
माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री नीतीश कुमार जी के नेतृत्व में 6 अक्टूबर से राजधानी पटना में शुरू हो रही है मेट्रो रेल सेवा।पहले चरण में 4.3 किमी का रूट –
आईएसबीटी-जीरो माइल -भूतनाथकिराया
आईएसबीटी ➝ जीरो माइल : ₹15
आईएसबीटी ➝ भूतनाथ :… pic.twitter.com/a4edVrWh2Q— IPRD Bihar (@IPRDBihar) October 5, 2025
During the event, CM Nitish will also lay the foundation stone for the underground section of the metro along Bailey Road — a crucial component that will run beneath the city’s most congested corridors.
This 9.35-kilometre tunnel, connecting Patna Junction to Rukunpura and Mithapur, is part of the Rs 13,925.5 crore Patna Metro project funded jointly by JICA, the Central Government, and the Government of Bihar. Construction is expected to be completed within 42 months, with the first full corridor scheduled to become operational by 2027.
The metro network will ultimately feature two corridors — the Red Line (16.86 km) and the Blue Line (14.56 km) — covering a total of 24 stations across the city.
Security and coordination
To ensure safety and order, the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) will oversee security at all metro stations and platforms. “Security has been planned at every level, from entry gates to control rooms,” officials said.
As the inaugural service prepares to depart from Bhootnath on Monday morning, Patna’s skyline — long dominated by crowded roads and slow-moving traffic — will mark the dawn of a faster, cleaner, and more connected era of public transport.
