Patna: Patna residents waiting for the city’s first metro service will have to wait longer, as the trial run scheduled for August 20 has been postponed once again. Officials confirmed that the trial is now expected in the first week of September, with passenger services likely to begin by the end of the month.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday reviewed the ongoing construction of the Patna Metro Rail Project. During his inspection of the terminal complex at Bairia, he examined the coaches, tracks, yard and power grid, and directed officials to expedite work. He also visited Zeromile Metro Station, pressing for faster completion.
The metro system, spanning 32.5 km, will be rolled out in phases. In its initial stage, a 6.5 km elevated stretch from ISBT to Malahi Pakadi is set to become operational. Officials said the terminal at Bairia will handle maintenance and operations, while one train set, delivered from Pune, is currently being assembled.
Once operational, the metro is expected to ease Patna’s chronic traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and cut vehicular pollution. The first phase will cover New ISBT, Malahi Pakadi, Khemnichak, Bhootnath Road and Bypass stations.
