Nitish Kumar Inaugurates Patna Metro’s First 4.3‑km Phase

On Monday, October 6, 2025, Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar cut the ribbon for the first operational segment of the Patna Metro at a ceremony in Patna. The 4.3‑kilometre priority corridor – stretching from Bhutnath Road to the New Inter‑State Bus Terminal (ISBT) – opened to commuters the next day, marking a tangible step in a project that has been in the pipeline for more than a decade. Officials say the new line will ease traffic congestion, cut travel times, and signal a modern turn for Bihar’s capital just weeks before the state assembly elections are announced.

Background: A Decade‑Long Vision

The idea of a rapid‑transit system for Patna first surfaced when the state cabinet approved a detailed project report on June 11, 2013. A year later, the Union government gave its nod, and on February 17, 2019, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, laid the foundation stone for the metro. The Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL) was formally created the following day to oversee construction and operations.

Financing the ₨13,925.5 crore (≈US$1.6 billion) venture has been a collaborative effort. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) pledged a sizeable loan, while the central and Bihar state governments chipped in equity. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was hired as the project consultant, bringing its expertise from India’s most extensive metro network.

Details of the First Phase

The inaugurated stretch belongs to the Blue Line and comprises three stations: ISBT (Patliputra), Zero Mile, and Bhoothnath Road. Trains run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with 20‑minute headways, each set consisting of three coaches that can carry up to 900 passengers. During the pilot phase, service frequency translates to roughly 40–42 trips per day, traveling at a maximum of 40 km/h – half the design speed of 80 km/h, but sufficient for early‑stage operations.

Fare pricing is straightforward: a flat ₹15 for the short hop between ISBT and Zero Mile, and ₹30 for the full ride from ISBT to Bhoothnath Road. Ticketing will be handled through smart cards and QR‑code scanners installed at each kiosk.

Beyond functionality, the new coaches are a moving gallery of Bihar’s cultural heritage. Traditional Madhubani motifs adorn the interiors, while stickers of iconic landmarks – Golghar, Mahavir Mandir, the Bodhi Tree, Buddhist Stupa, and Nalanda ruins – dot windows and doors, offering riders a visual tour of the state’s history.

The construction arm was awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in January 2022. L&T’s contract, valued at ₹1,989 crore, covered the design and build of the underground segment of Corridor‑2, which includes six stations such as Patna Medical College and Gandhi Maidan. Ground‑preparation work began in November 2020, with piling activities kicking off a month later.

Stakeholder Reactions

Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha praised the launch as “a milestone for Bihar’s urban future.” Local business owners near Zero Mile reported a surge of foot traffic during the inauguration, hoping the metro will draw more customers in the long run.

Urban‑planning experts, however, caution that the modest frequency and limited capacity of the pilot phase may not instantly alleviate Patna’s notorious traffic woes. Dr. Ramesh Singh, professor at Patna University, notes, “The full impact will manifest only when the Red Line and the remaining Blue‑Line stations become operational, expanding the network to 24 stations.”

Residents expressed a mix of excitement and skepticism. Priya Sharma, a daily commuter from the ISBT area, said, “It’s great to finally have a metro, but the 20‑minute gaps feel long during rush hour.” Meanwhile, senior citizen Anil Kumar highlighted the cultural décor, calling it “a proud display of our heritage.”

Economic and Urban Impact

Projected daily ridership for the entire system stands at 2.10 lakh passengers by 2026, according to PMRCL officials. Even with the pilot line’s limited reach, early estimates suggest a 5‑7 % reduction in private‑vehicle trips during peak periods. This shift could lower fuel consumption, improve air quality, and reduce road‑maintenance costs for the municipal corporation.

The metro also opens up new real‑estate corridors. Property values within a 500‑meter radius of the three operational stations have already risen by an average of 8 % since the inauguration, according to a recent survey by the Bihar Real‑Estate Association.

From a fiscal perspective, the public‑private partnership model ensures that while the state retains ownership through PMRCL, operational efficiencies and revenue‑sharing mechanisms with private contractors are expected to keep the system financially sustainable beyond the initial subsidy period.

Looking Ahead: Future Phases and Challenges

Phase 1’s completion paves the way for Phase 2, slated to add three more stations at Vikas Bhawan, Vidyut Bhawan, and Patna Junction at an estimated cost of ₹1,148.3 crore. The overarching plan envisions two corridors – the 16.86‑km Red Line and the 14.56‑km Blue Line – together delivering 24 stations across the city.

Key challenges remain. Land acquisition for the remaining stretches, especially in densely populated neighborhoods, could encounter legal hurdles. Moreover, integrating the metro with existing bus networks and ensuring last‑mile connectivity will require coordinated planning among the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation and municipal authorities.

Nonetheless, officials are optimistic. PMRCL’s managing director, Sushil Kumar, stated, “If we stay on schedule, full commercial operations across all corridors will be live by 2027, fundamentally reshaping Patna’s mobility landscape.”