Has Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Inaugurated the Patna Metro, Ushering in a New Era of Urban Mobility?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Patna Metro is Bihar's first metro service.
- Inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on October 6.
- The initial phase covers a 4.3 km stretch.
- Metro services will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Future expansions will include 24 stations over 32.5 km.
Patna, Oct 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, inaugurated the Patna Metro on Monday, marking the state's first metro service. He also initiated the construction of the underground metro route from Rukunpura to Patna Junction.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the ISBT depot metro station.
Following the inauguration, Kumar participated in the inaugural ride from the ISBT Depot metro station to Bhoothnath metro station.
Accompanied by numerous state ministers and senior officials, the event attracted enthusiastic crowds eager to witness this historic moment.
In its initial phase, the metro will run on a 4.3 km stretch connecting New ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhootnath stations, with services available to the public immediately following the opening. It is also set to extend to Khemnichak and Malahi Pakadi later this year.
The metro's three-coach rake is designed to accommodate up to 945 passengers per trip, providing residents of Patna with a modern and convenient transportation option.
As per the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited, the fare structure is set at Rs 15 from ISBT to Zero Mile and Rs 30 from ISBT to Bhoothnath Metro Station.
The metro will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a frequency of every 20 minutes, ensuring 40-42 trips daily.
Each coach is equipped to seat 147 passengers and can accommodate additional standing travelers. Notably, twelve seats per coach are reserved for women and individuals with disabilities.
During the event, Nitish Kumar highlighted that this project signifies the dawn of a new era in urban mobility in Patna, alleviating traffic congestion and providing residents with a quicker, more reliable commuting option.
The total expenditure for this ambitious project is estimated at Rs 13,365 crore.
Upon full completion, the metro network will extend to 24 stations over a distance of 32.5 km in Patna, representing a substantial advancement in the city’s public transport framework.
The maximum operational speed during the initial phase will be 40 km per hour, with trains featuring cutting-edge passenger safety systems.
Each coach is outfitted with 360-degree CCTV cameras, emergency buttons, and microphones linked directly to the train driver, ensuring prompt safety responses.