Patna: The Patna Metro Rail Corporation has unveiled plans to double the length of its trains from three to six coaches, in a move designed to boost capacity and future-proof the city’s first mass rapid transit system.
Officials said tenders would soon be issued for the procurement of eight to 10 additional coaches, reflecting expectations of high passenger demand once services begin. The decision, they added, would help align Patna’s metro infrastructure with that of larger urban networks in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.
The development comes as work on Corridor 2 reaches a pivotal stage. Construction of the underground tunnel between Rajendra Nagar and Patna Junction has progressed significantly, with tunnelling completed beneath key landmarks including Moinul Haq Stadium, Patna University, Patna Medical College and Hospital and Gandhi Maidan.
The corporation is preparing to invite bids for laying tracks across approximately 12.5 kilometres of elevated and underground sections. Once awarded, track-laying work is expected to begin within months, alongside the construction and completion of stations.
Metro operations will be rolled out in phases. The fourth phase is expected to cover underground services from Malahi Pakadi to Rajendra Nagar and Patna University. Subsequent phases will extend connectivity towards Mithapur via Gandhi Maidan, Akashvani and Patna Junction, significantly reducing travel times across some of the city’s busiest educational and commercial districts.
While procurement of new rolling stock is likely to take up to two years, authorities have adopted interim measures to begin operations. Trial runs and initial services are currently being conducted using a hired three-coach rake, with a second rented set expected to arrive by March. This will enable services to start on the elevated stretch towards Mithapur.
Officials said that once the metro’s own six-coach trains are delivered, the system would mark a significant shift in public transport provision in Bihar’s capital, offering higher capacity and shorter journey times for daily commuters.
