Patna : As Patna Metro races toward its first-phase launch in August, the project’s officials have made a formal request to the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) for a reduced electricity rate to ensure affordable fares for passengers. The Metro authorities have asked for a 2000 KVA load connection on a 132 KVA transmission line to power the 6.63 km long metro network, set to begin operations in mid-August.
Metro officials emphasized that, similar to other states, providing electricity at a cheaper rate would directly impact the cost of passenger fares, which they aim to keep lower than railway rates. They have proposed a discounted rate of Rs 1.50 less per unit than the current rate for the Indian Railways in Bihar, which charges Rs 8.16 per unit plus a fixed charge of Rs 540 per KVA.
Cost Comparison: Other Cities’ Metro Electricity Rates
In comparison, metro systems in other Indian cities benefit from cheaper electricity rates for their operations:
- Delhi: Rs 6.25 per unit
- Bengaluru: Rs 5.35 per unit
- Hyderabad: Rs 4.95 per unit
- Jaipur: Rs 5.70 per unit
- Mumbai: Rs 5.31 per unit
- Lucknow and Noida: Rs 7.30 per unit
Public Service, Not Profit
Metro officials argue that, unlike the railways, Patna Metro is a public service initiative and not a profit-driven entity. “Our goal is to provide affordable transportation, not to make a commercial profit,” one official explained during a recent hearing before the BERC. They pointed out that other metro projects across India are already receiving discounted electricity, which helps reduce operating costs and keep fares accessible.
Progress on Construction
Meanwhile, construction on the Patna Metro project is progressing at a rapid pace. Track-laying work has already been completed between the Patliputra Bus Terminal and other key locations, while the installation of electric poles continues. The elevated metro network is planned to span 32.40 km, extending from Danapur to Patna City, with an underground tunnel of 1.5 km already finished between Moin Ul Haq Stadium and Patna University.
However, not all parts of the underground metro have been completed. Work is ongoing between Patna University and Patna Junction, with the tunnel boring machine set to begin further digging soon. Despite the progress, it is unlikely that the Khemnichak station will be ready for the August 15 launch, with the station expected to be bypassed for now.
