Patna Metro Priority Corridor: Operations Targeted by August 15 Next Year

Patna: The much-awaited Patna Metro Rail project is set to achieve a major milestone, with track-laying work for the priority corridor between Malahi Pakadi and New ISBT expected to commence soon. A six-coach metro train will also be procured for the initial phase, with operations on this elevated stretch of 6.5 km targeted to begin by August 15, next year.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitin Naveen is set to review the construction progress today. The review will focus on the priority corridor from Malahi Pakadi to New ISBT, with metro officials expected to provide updates on the status of the project.

The civil construction of the priority corridor is nearing completion, with girders already placed on metro pillars. The installation of poles is underway, and officials anticipate track-laying to start within the next one to two months. This corridor includes five elevated stations—Malahi Pakadi, Khemnichak, Bhootnath, Zeromile, and New ISBT—with their construction expected to be completed by March 2025.

The state government has allocated significant resources to ensure the project remains on schedule. In the supplementary budget presented during the winter session of the Bihar Legislature, approximately ₹400 crore was approved for the Patna Metro. Of this, Rs. 115.10 crore has been earmarked for laying tracks and procuring metro coaches.

Initially, the procurement of rail tracks and trains was to be financed through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). While an agreement with JICA has been signed, delays in fund disbursement prompted the Bihar government to allocate funds independently to avoid further setbacks.

Once operational, the Patna Metro is expected to transform urban mobility in the city, easing traffic congestion and providing a modern, efficient mode of transportation for residents.