Routes Set for Metro Corridors in Four Bihar Cities – Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur
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Patna: Following Patna, plans for metro rail projects in four major cities of Bihar—Gaya, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur—are moving forward, with feasibility study now complete.
Gaya is set to have the longest metro route, spanning 36km, connecting the city with Bodh Gaya and the airport. In contrast, Darbhanga will have the shortest metro network at 18.8km. Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur are proposed to have metro networks of 24km and 21.25km, respectively. Each of these cities will have two metro corridors.
The Urban Development and Housing Department is currently reviewing the survey findings before initiating the next steps. The department had commissioned RITES, a railway consultancy agency, to conduct the survey, which began in September last year. The agency has submitted its feasibility report, comprehensive mobility plan, and alternative analysis report, incorporating suggestions from public representatives and residents.
Initially, a 20km metro route was planned for each city, but based on feedback, the proposed lengths have been extended. In Patna, work is already underway on a 32km metro network with 24 stations.
Proposed Metro Plans for Each City
Darbhanga: The metro will feature 18 stations, with an 8.90km corridor connecting the airport to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), housing eight stations. A second route, from Polytechnic to Bijuli, will stretch 9.90km with 10 stations.
Muzaffarpur: The metro will have 20 stations. The first corridor, 13.85km long, will run from Harpur Bakhri to Ramdayalu with 13 stations. The second, covering 7.40km, will connect SKMCH to Muzaffarpur Junction with seven stations.
Gaya: The city will have the most extensive metro network with 28 stations. The North-South corridor (22.60km) will link Gaya Airport, Bodh Gaya, and the railway station, featuring 18 stations. The East-West corridor (13.48km) will include 10 stations, connecting Bipad, Vishnupad Temple, and Manpur Bus Station.
Bhagalpur: The metro will be developed in two phases, covering 24 stations. The first phase includes a 12km stretch from Saidpur to Champanagar with 12 stations and a 7km route from Bhagalpur station to Vastu Vihar with six stations. The second phase proposes a 5km extension from Bhagalpur station to Champanagar, adding four more stations.
