Patna: Patna residents finally got a glimpse of the city’s modern metro rail network as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the first phase of the Patna Metro today (October 6). The 3.6-kilometer elevated stretch of the priority corridor will open for public service from October 7, marking a significant step forward in the city’s urban transport infrastructure.
Alongside the inauguration, CM Kumar laid the foundation stone for six underground metro stations, including the key Patna Junction station, and a 9.35-kilometer tunnel that will form part of the metro’s North-South corridor.
The initial operational stretch will cover approximately 3.6 km, connecting key points in the city. Each Patna Metro train, consisting of three coaches, can accommodate 138 seated passengers and 945 standing passengers, offering a practical solution to Patna’s traffic congestion.
The Patna Junction ↔ New ISBT corridor currently features three important stations: ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhootnath Road. Upon full completion, the Blue Line (North-South corridor) will span 16.2 km, linking Patna Junction to New ISBT, with a total of 12 stations—five elevated and seven underground.
The planned stations include:
Patna Junction, Akashvani, Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, Moin Ul Haq Stadium, Rajendra Nagar, Malahi Pakri, Khemmni Chak, Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, New ISBT.
Patna Metro: Ticket Prices and Timings
Metro fares have been set between Rs 15 and Rs 30, making it an affordable option for city commuters. A ride from ISBT to Zero Mile will cost Rs 15, while the journey from New ISBT to Bhootnath Road Metro Station will be Rs 30.
The metro will operate daily from 8 am to 10 pm, with trains scheduled every 20 minutes. Each train has 12 reserved seats for women and differently-abled passengers, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
Features and Passenger Safety
The Patna Metro places a strong emphasis on passenger safety and comfort. Each coach is equipped with:
360-degree CCTV cameras
Emergency buttons and microphones for communication with the driver
Charging points for cellphones and laptops
Front emergency doors and bi-parting sliding doors
The metro coaches are designed to reflect Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, featuring Madhubani paintings and depictions of iconic landmarks such as Golghar, Mahavir Mandir, and Buddha, painted in saffron hues.
Metro stations offer modern amenities, including:
Escalators, lifts, and stairways
Ticket vending machines and public address systems
Platform screen doors for safety
Waiting zones, information kiosks, food courts, and retail outlets
Baggage screening and check-in/out facilities
Security Arrangements
The Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) will manage security across the metro network, with personnel deployed at every point—from entrances to platforms—to ensure a safe and secure commuting experience for passengers.
The inauguration of the Patna Metro is expected to transform the city’s public transportation landscape, reducing traffic congestion, improving connectivity, and offering a modern, safe, and convenient travel option for the citizens of Patna.
