Patna: The Patna Metro, inaugurated last week, is already preparing to expand operations with the addition of another three-coach train set, according to officials of the Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC).
At present, only one train operates between Patliputra Bus Terminal and Bhootnath Road, but with rising passenger demand—over 20,000 commuters in just three days—a second set is being leased to operate dedicated up and down services.
Officials confirmed that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which oversees operations and technical support, has been instructed to procure and deploy the new set at the earliest. The decision follows a directive by Metro Rail Safety Commissioner Janak Kumar Garg, who, during his recent inspection, recommended the immediate addition of another train to streamline service frequency and improve passenger convenience.
Metro gains momentum amid strong response
The Patna Metro, inaugurated on October 6 and opened to the public the next day, has seen an encouraging response from commuters. Families, students, and office-goers have taken to social media sharing their experiences of the city’s first mass rapid transit system, praising its comfort, cleanliness, and air-conditioned coaches.
However, parking challenges have surfaced at major stations. The PMRC acknowledged the issue, stating that permanent parking facilities are being developed. For now, temporary parking and pick-up/drop-off zones have been arranged at all operational stations.
“The initial passenger response has exceeded expectations. We are resolving parking constraints and increasing the frequency of trains soon,” a senior PMRC official said.
Construction advances underground and on elevated corridors
Meanwhile, construction work across other metro corridors is gathering pace. The 1.5-km tunnel between Malahi Pakadi and Patna University has been completed, while tunnelling work from Patna University to PMCH, Gandhi Maidan, and Akashvani is underway.
On the city’s western and southern stretches, elevated lines are being developed between Khemnichak and Mithapur (bypass) and from Saguna More to Patliputra Station (Danapur).
The next major phase involves constructing six underground stations and a 9.35-km tunnel between Patna Junction and Rukunpura—a key link under Corridor 1. Estimated at Rs 2,565.80 crore, the underground section includes stations at Patna Junction, Vidyut Bhawan, Vikas Bhawan, Patna Zoo, Rajabazar, and Rukunpura, and is expected to be completed within 42 months.
A Rs 13,925 crore project shaping Patna’s future
The Patna Metro project, covering 32.5 km across two corridors—Red Line (16.86 km) and Blue Line (14.56 km)—is being built at a total cost of Rs 13,925.5 crore, co-funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of India, and the Government of Bihar.
Once fully operational, the metro will have 24 stations, integrating the city’s key transit hubs, commercial districts, and residential areas. The target for completion of the entire network is 2027.
