Patna: Patna Metro’s operational network expanded on Thursday with the inauguration of Malahi Pakri Metro Station, extending passenger services along the city’s first metro corridor.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the station before travelling on the newly opened section from Malahi Pakri to Bhootnath, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav.
Leaders Take First Ride
The inaugural metro ride was also attended by Minister Nitish Mishra, JD(U) leader Sanjay Singh, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and senior government and metro officials.
During the journey, metro authorities briefed the ministers on the project’s progress and operational features as the leaders travelled together on the newly extended route.
Five Stations Now Operational
With the latest extension, passengers can now travel across five stations on the operational section of Patna Metro:
- New ISBT
- Zero Mile
- Bhootnath
- Khemnichak
- Malahi Pakri
However, Khemnichak Metro Station is not yet open to passengers. Although trains will pass through the station, they will not stop there until construction is fully completed.
Metro authorities said the station would be opened once all remaining work is finished.
Fares And Operations
The maximum fare between New ISBT and Malahi Pakri has been fixed at Rs 30, while travel between New ISBT and Bhootnath will continue to cost Rs 15.
Metro services are currently operating on a single track, with trains in both directions sharing the same line.
For the time being, operations will continue using a walkie-talkie-based communication system, and trains will operate at a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
Relief For Commuters
Officials said the extension is expected to improve connectivity for residents of Rajendra Nagar, Kankarbagh and neighbouring localities.
The expanded service is also expected to ease traffic congestion for commuters travelling towards the Bairiya Bus Stand and along the Bairiya Bypass corridor.
Passengers travelling between Bairiya Bus Stand and Rajendra Nagar Railway Station are also expected to benefit from the new metro connection.
Construction is currently underway on the slab that will connect the Malahi Pakri section with the underground metro tunnel leading towards Rajendra Nagar as work on the remaining sections of the corridor continues.
