Introduction to Patna’s Metro Milestone
Bihar’s capital, Patna, has officially joined the league of India’s metropolitan cities with the inauguration of the much-anticipated Patna Metro rail service. The event took place on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s urban transport development. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar presided over the launch of the first operational phase, bringing a new era of connectivity and convenience to the residents.
The Blue Line Launch: Key Details
The inaugural stretch of the metro, known as the Blue Line, extends from the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) to Bhoothnath. This initial segment includes three pivotal stations: Patliputra ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhoothnath. The ceremonial first run began at the Patliputra Bus Depot, with Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha also in attendance. Public metro services will officially commence from the following day.
Operational Features and Passenger Information
Currently, commuters can travel along a 4.3-kilometre route encompassing ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhoothnath stations. The fare structure is designed to be affordable, with a minimum charge of Rs 15 for a single station journey and Rs 30 for the entire stretch. Metro operations will run daily from 8 am until 10 pm, scheduling approximately 40 to 42 trips per day to accommodate passenger demand.
Cultural Identity Reflected in Design
Adding a distinctive cultural flavor, the metro coaches have been adorned with artistic motifs inspired by Bihar’s renowned Madhubani paintings. These traditional patterns celebrate the state’s rich heritage, offering travelers a visual connection to their cultural roots as they commute.
Capacity and Frequency of Metro Services
Each metro train can accommodate up to 900 passengers, with individual coaches designed for 300 occupants. This capacity planning aims to ease congestion during busy periods. Initially, metro trains will operate with a frequency of one train every 20 minutes along the Blue Line corridor.
Nitish Kumar’s Vision Realized: A Decade in the Making
The Patna Metro project is often described as the brainchild of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose vision dates back over ten years. The Bihar state cabinet gave the initial approval on June 11, 2013, greenlighting the preparation of a detailed project report. Following this, the Union government endorsed the plan in June 2014, setting the stage for a comprehensive five-phase construction timeline.
Project Development and Key Milestones
The foundation stone for Patna’s first metro corridor was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17, 2019, with the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL) established the following day to oversee the project. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was engaged as the project consultant, while engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured the contract for designing and constructing Phase 1, Corridor 2, in January 2022.
Financial Overview and International Collaboration
The total projected expenditure for the Patna Metro stands at approximately Rs 13,925.5 crore. This ambitious urban infrastructure project is jointly funded by the Bihar state government, the central government, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), exemplifying international collaboration in India’s urban modernization efforts.
