Patna: In what is being hailed as a transformative gift for the city, preparations are in full swing to launch the first phase of the Patna Metro on August 15, marking India’s 78th Independence Day. The ambitious infrastructure project, which promises to ease urban mobility and create employment opportunities, is nearing completion with round-the-clock construction work underway.
Construction agencies have intensified efforts, working in two shifts to meet the Independence Day deadline. According to officials, the track-laying work on the 6.2-kilometre-long primary corridor—from Malahi Pakadi to New ISBT—has been completed. The initial route comprises five stations: Malahi Pakadi, Khemnichak, Bhootnath, Zeromile, and New ISBT. However, metro services will initially operate across four of these, with Khemnichak excluded from the early phase.
Final touches are being put on the stations, including the installation of automatic fare collection systems, platform screen doors, escalators, and entry gates. Meanwhile, supporting infrastructure such as the control room, electrical sub-stations, inspection sheds, and maintenance pits at the metro depot are also nearing completion.
Officials have emphasised that all construction is being carried out in strict adherence to safety standards. A three-coach metro train has already arrived in Patna from Pune for trial runs, which are expected to commence soon.
The Patna Metro is being touted as a catalyst for the city’s development, not only addressing the chronic traffic congestion but also generating fresh employment avenues for the local youth. With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes are now on August 15 for the city’s long-awaited step into a new era of urban transport.
