Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Patna Metro, marking the commencement of Bihar's first operational metro rail service. Along with inaugurating the operational priority corridor, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the underground metro section between Rukunpura and Patna Junction. The launch represents a major milestone in Bihar's urban transport infrastructure and is expected to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable public transportation.
The inauguration of the Patna Metro marks a historic development in Bihar's urban infrastructure, as the State enters the league of Indian cities with an operational Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). The metro project is expected to transform urban commuting by providing a safe, reliable, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable mode of transport.The first operational phase covers a 4.3 km priority corridor connecting New ISBT, Zero Mile and Bhootnath stations. The service has been opened for public use immediately, while further extension up to Khemnichak and Malahi Pakadi is planned later in the year. Simultaneously, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the underground corridor from Rukunpura to Patna Junction, indicating the transition of the project into its next construction phase.The metro system has been designed to improve the daily commuting experience through modern passenger amenities and safety features. Each three-coach metro train has a carrying capacity of 945 passengers, with 147 seats available, including 12 reserved seats for women and differently-abled passengers. Passenger safety has been strengthened through 360-degree CCTV surveillance, emergency communication buttons, and direct communication with the train operator.Operationally, the metro will run between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM, maintaining a 20-minute frequency and operating approximately 40–42 trips per day. Affordable fare pricing—₹15 between ISBT and Zero Mile and ₹30 between ISBT and Bhootnath—has been adopted to encourage greater use of public transport.According to the announcement, the project has an estimated cost of ₹13,365 crore. After full completion, the metro network will extend over 32.5 km with 24 stations, significantly enhancing connectivity across Patna. The trains in the initial operational phase will run at a maximum speed of 40 km per hour.The project is expected to reduce dependence on private vehicles, ease urban traffic congestion, lower vehicular emissions, save travel time, and support planned urban development. Improved connectivity is also likely to enhance economic activity by providing efficient access to educational institutions, commercial centres, transport hubs, and residential areas.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Bihar |
| Metro Service | First operational metro rail service in Bihar |
| Operational Corridor | New ISBT – Zero Mile – Bhootnath |
| Length | 4.3 km |
| Number of Coaches | 3 |
| Passenger Capacity | 945 passengers |
| Seating Capacity | 147 seats |
| Reserved Seats | 12 (Women & Differently-Abled) |
| Operating Hours | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Frequency | Every 20 minutes |
| Daily Trips | 40–42 |
| Maximum Speed | 40 km/h |
| Fare | ₹15 (ISBT–Zero Mile), ₹30 (ISBT–Bhootnath) |
A Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is a high-capacity urban public transport system operating on an exclusive right of way to transport large numbers of passengers efficiently.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning approach that promotes compact, mixed-use development around public transport corridors, encouraging greater use of mass transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.
Updated – 06 October 2025; 04:50 PM | DD NewsNews Source: