Patna: Bihar has set a fresh timeline for the long-delayed Patna Metro Rail Project, with the first passenger services on an elevated stretch now targeted for June 2027 and the underground corridor expected to become operational in 2028.
The revised schedule was finalised during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, who directed officials to accelerate construction, ensure uninterrupted funding and improve coordination between departments to keep the project on track.
Fresh Deadlines Set for Patna Metro Operations
According to decisions taken during the meeting, the 3.1-kilometre elevated section between Mithapur and Khemni Chak, part of Corridor-1, is expected to be commissioned by June 2027.
The state government has also fixed 2028 as the target for opening the 8-kilometre underground section of Corridor-2, extending from the Rajendra Nagar Station–Malahi Pakri ramp to the Akashvani Station–Patna Junction stretch.
The revised timeline comes after the project experienced delays over the past six years.
Rs 1,100 Crore Funding Cleared to Maintain Construction
To prevent work from slowing because of financial constraints, the Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure the continuous release of Rs 1,100 crore for contracts being executed under the deposit works model.
According to officials, the decision is intended to ensure contractors receive funds on time so that construction is not interrupted.
Traffic Diversions to Be Managed During Construction
The meeting also reviewed traffic management plans around Vikas Bhawan, Vidyut Bhawan and Patna Zoo metro stations, where construction activity is expected to affect vehicle movement.
The Chief Secretary instructed officials to minimise inconvenience to commuters by deploying an adequate number of traffic marshals and implementing diversion plans designed to reduce congestion.
Officials were also asked to monitor traffic conditions regularly during the construction phase.
Obstructions to Be Cleared for Faster Progress
The state government has directed departments to remove physical obstructions delaying station construction along the Vikas Bhawan and Vidyut Bhawan corridors.
According to the review, these include SBI ATMs, police booths, fruit stalls and sections of government boundary walls. Officials have been instructed to coordinate with the concerned agencies to clear these structures without delay.
Departments Asked to Submit Weekly Progress Reports
Pratyaya Amrit directed all departments involved in the Patna Metro project to strengthen coordination and submit weekly progress reports to monitor construction and resolve implementation issues promptly.
According to officials, regular reviews will continue as Bihar seeks to meet the revised deadlines for one of its largest urban transport infrastructure projects.
If completed on schedule, the elevated corridor will mark the first operational section of the Patna Metro, followed by the opening of the underground route in 2028.
