Bihar entered a new phase of urban public transport as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Patna Metro, the State's first operational metro service. Alongside the inauguration of the operational section, the foundation stone for the underground metro corridor between Rukunpura and Patna Junction was also laid. The project is expected to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and provide an environmentally sustainable transport system for the capital city.
The inauguration of the Patna Metro marks a significant milestone in Bihar's urban infrastructure development. As the first metro rail system in the State, it introduces a modern Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) designed to meet the growing transportation needs of Patna's expanding population.The first operational phase begins with a 4.3 km priority corridor connecting New ISBT, Zero Mile and Bhootnath stations. This corridor is expected to serve as the backbone for future network expansion while providing immediate relief to commuters travelling along one of the city's busiest corridors.The project also witnessed the foundation laying for the underground metro section from Rukunpura to Patna Junction, indicating the gradual expansion of the metro network towards the city's commercial and administrative centres. Once completed, the Patna Metro network will cover 32.5 km with 24 stations, substantially improving intra-city connectivity.The metro has been designed with an emphasis on safe, accessible and efficient public transport. The three-coach train can accommodate 945 passengers, with 147 seats in each coach, 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 systems with the train operator.Operationally, the metro will run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a 20-minute frequency, completing approximately 40–42 trips daily. Affordable fares—₹15 from ISBT to Zero Mile and ₹30 from ISBT to Bhootnath—are intended to encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, thereby reducing congestion, fuel consumption and urban pollution.The Patna Metro Project, with an estimated investment of ₹13,365 crore, represents one of Bihar's largest urban infrastructure projects and aligns with broader national goals of promoting sustainable, low-carbon and integrated urban transportation systems.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Operational Corridor | 4.3 km |
| Operational Stations | New ISBT, Zero Mile, Bhootnath |
| Metro Coaches | 3 |
| Passenger Capacity | 945 passengers |
| Seating Capacity | 147 seats per coach |
| Reserved Seats | 12 per coach for women and differently-abled |
| Operating Hours | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Train Frequency | Every 20 minutes |
| Daily Trips | 40–42 |
| Fare | ₹15 (ISBT–Zero Mile), ₹30 (ISBT–Bhootnath) |
| Estimated Project Cost | ₹13,365 crore |
| Ultimate Network | 32.5 km, 24 stations |
The Patna Metro is expected to:
| Corridor | Route | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Corridor-I (East–West) | Danapur Cantonment – Khemni Chak | 16.86 km |
| Corridor-II (North–South) | Patna Junction – New ISBT | 14.05 km |
A Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is a high-capacity urban public transport system operating on an exclusive right-of-way, designed to transport large numbers of passengers quickly, safely and efficiently within metropolitan areas.
Updated – 06 October 2025; 04:50 PM | DD NewsNews Source: