Patna: Bihar’s long-awaited metro service is expected to begin partial operations by the end of this month, the state’s Urban Development and Housing Minister, Jibesh Kumar, announced on Wednesday.
The initial stretch, a 6.2 km corridor on the Blue Line, will connect Malahi Pakri to the New ISBT, stopping at five stations, including Bhootnath and Zero Mile. Kumar made the announcement during a media briefing highlighting his department’s achievements and the ongoing “Swachchta hi Sewa 2025” cleanliness programme.
“The Patna metro is likely to begin its operations by the end of this month,” Kumar said. He was joined by senior officials, including Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh and Patna Municipal Corporation Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar.
The metro project recently completed its first fitness trial run on September 8, covering 4.5 km from the Patna depot to Bhootnath station and testing critical operational systems across three stations: ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhootnath.
The broader Patna Metro project, currently under construction, will ultimately comprise two lines spanning approximately 32.5 km with 24 stations. The first phase links Patna Junction to the New ISBT via the 14.56 km Blue Line, while the second phase will extend from Danapur Cantonment to Patna Junction through Saguna More. Officials say the metro is expected to ease traffic congestion, provide smoother travel, generate local employment, and contribute to the city’s long-term development.
In parallel, Kumar outlined plans under “Swachchta hi Sewa,” which began on September 17 and will continue until October 29. He claimed that Rs 751 crore has been invested in solid waste management, projecting that Bihar’s cities will be largely free of garbage by next year.
Patna currently ranks 21st in national cleanliness surveys, and fourth among 88 cities along the Ganges, according to Kumar. Bhagalpur ranks 15th, Chhapra 19th, and Munger 20th. Under the GFS certification, Patna and Gaya received three-star ratings, while Bhagalpur and Supaul received one star.
The minister also noted improvements in urban water access, with households drawing tap water increasing from 326,000 in 2011 to nearly 3 million today. Of the 41 planned electric crematoriums, seven have been completed, and gas-based facilities are under construction.
