Patna: The dream that Patna had nurtured for years finally came to life on Tuesday morning as the city’s first-ever metro train service began operations for the public, marking a historic milestone in Bihar’s urban infrastructure.
From the first hour of operation, there was a sense of celebration at every station. Families, students, and elderly citizens turned out in large numbers — many dressed as if for a festive outing — to experience the first ride of the Patna Metro. By the end of the day, officials from the Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) reported a passenger count of around 5,000 and ticket sales totalling Rs 80,000.
The inaugural stretch — a 4.3 km route between New ISBT and Bhootnath — saw packed platforms, selfie-taking commuters, and wide-eyed children staring in awe at the sleek, air-conditioned trains.
“I brought my children, and they really enjoyed it,” said Aarti Kumari, a resident of Bhootnath Road. “This feels like a new beginning for Patna. I’ll now use the metro instead of autos — it’s clean, comfortable, and peaceful.”
The metro service began at 8 a.m., initially attracting a modest crowd before stations grew busier by mid-morning. By 11 a.m., trains were running with full capacity, and passengers praised the system’s cleanliness, safety, and modern amenities.
For Shanti Devi, a resident of Rajendra Nagar, the experience was both emotional and practical. “I never imagined I’d travel in a metro in my lifetime,” she said, beaming after her first ride. “Now I can easily go to the Pataliputra bus stand without worrying about traffic jams.”
Elderly residents like Bijendra Yadav, 65, from Pahadi, were equally elated. “We had only heard of metros in big cities,” he said. “It feels special to have one here now. The government has done something truly good for the people.”
PMRC officials said passenger turnout exceeded expectations on Day One. Tickets were priced at Rs 15, and passengers could pay using cash or UPI. However, a few faced fines of Rs 10 to Rs 50 for exceeding the 45-minute exit time limit, with many such cases reported at Bhootnath Station.
Tight Security and Professional Management
Security was tight across all three operational stations, with Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) personnel manning entry points. Passengers were only allowed entry after thorough checks. BSAP personnel had undergone two months of intensive training in Delhi and Chhattisgarh to handle emergencies and ensure passenger safety.
Private security agencies also supported station management, while trained employees from Delhi staffed ticket counters and customer service desks in two shifts.
With the Patna Metro’s successful debut, Bihar has joined the growing list of Indian states embracing modern urban transit. For many, the day was not just about a ride — it was about witnessing the city’s long-awaited leap into the future.
“This is not just a train,” said one passenger, smiling as the metro glided into the station. “It’s Patna moving forward.”
