Blue Line’s 6.5 km Priority Stretch Nears Completion as Stations, Tracks Get Final Touches

📍Patna | June 18, 2025

In what promises to be a historic leap for Bihar’s urban transit infrastructure, Patna Metro Rail’s first-ever operational corridor is poised to roll out just in time for Independence Day on August 15. The 6.5-kilometre-long priority stretch of the Blue Line (Corridor-2), from Malahi Pakri to Patliputra ISBT (Bus Terminal), is nearing physical completion, with civil works, systems installation, and station finishing in their final stages.

This milestone will make Patna the fourth city in eastern India to have a functioning metro system, following Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.

🧭 Project Overview

🔷 Patna Metro Phase-1 – Priority Corridor Details:

• Line Name: Blue Line (Corridor 2)
• Stretch: Malahi Pakri → Khemnichak → Bhootnath → Zero Mile → Patliputra ISBT
• Length: 6.5 km
• Track Type: Elevated
• Total Stations: 5 fully elevated stations in this phase
• Expected Daily Ridership (Initial): Approx. 30,000–50,000

This corridor is part of the ₹13,365 crore Patna Metro Phase-1 project, jointly funded by the Union Government and Government of Bihar, with additional financial support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

🏗 Construction Status & Technical Readiness

✅ Civil & Structural Work:

• Viaducts and elevated tracks are 90–95% complete.
• All five metro stations have civil structures in place.
• Station interiors, passenger concourses, platform tiling, and finishing work are underway and expected to be completed by mid-July.

⚙ Systems & Equipment:

• Track laying and electrification using third rail system (750 V DC) is in advanced stages.
• Signaling and Automatic Train Control (ATC) system installation is ongoing and will support driverless-ready infrastructure (though initially with operators).
• Platform screen doors, escalators, elevators, CCTV, and fire safety systems are being installed.

🚆 Rolling Stock:

• Train sets (3-coach configuration initially) have already arrived in Patna.
• Manufactured by Titagarh Rail Systems or similar vendors under Make-in-India.
• Features: Regenerative braking, air-conditioning, disabled-friendly interiors, real-time passenger information systems.

🔬 Trial Runs & Safety Inspections

📅 Schedule:

• Trial runs expected to begin by July 10–15, 2025.
• Conducted over a period of 3–4 weeks, these tests will cover:
• Speed trials
• Braking and emergency response
• Platform alignment
• Communication and signaling checks

🛡 Safety Clearance:

• Inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is anticipated in late July or early August.
• Final clearance will be required before commercial services can commence.

🚉 Key Metro Stations & Features

1. Malahi Pakri – Near residential colonies; serves as an entry point from eastern Patna.
2. Khemnichak – Integration with existing city roads and future flyovers.
3. Bhootnath Road – Major education and residential hub.
4. Zero Mile – Mid-corridor station with operational significance.
5. Patliputra ISBT (Bus Terminal) – Multi-modal hub for metro, bus, and long-distance travelers.

🏢 Station Amenities:

• Automated ticket vending machines (TVMs) and QR code access
• CCTV & Public announcement systems
• Energy-efficient LED lighting
• Dedicated zones for women and elderly passengers
• Last-mile integration zones for e-rickshaws and bicycle parking

🌇 Urban Impact & Connectivity Goals

🚦 Traffic Relief:

• The corridor is expected to decongest major routes like Ashok Rajpath, Bhootnath Road, and NH-30.
• Reduction in autos and two-wheeler traffic during peak hours.

🧭 Seamless Commuting:

• Easy interchange with inter-state buses at Patliputra ISBT.
• Feeder bus services and electric rickshaws to be introduced in Phase-2.

💸 Economic Upliftment:

• Rise in commercial activity and property values near metro corridors.
• Boost to retail outlets, food plazas, and small businesses around stations.

🗣 Government’s Vision & Commitment

Speaking about the progress, a senior official from the Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) said:

“This is more than just a transport project — it’s a symbol of Patna’s urban evolution. We’re committed to delivering a modern, safe, and accessible metro experience for all citizens.”

The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is being planned as a major public event, coinciding with August 15 celebrations.

📊 What’s Next After Priority Corridor?

• Remaining portions of Blue and Red Lines (Corridor 1) — connecting Danapur to Khemnichak and Mithapur Bus Stand — are under various stages of construction.
• Full Phase-1 (30.91 km) of the Patna Metro is expected to be fully operational by 2028.

📌 Conclusion

With the first metro line nearing completion, Patna is on the brink of joining India’s growing network of urban rail systems. The introduction of this service is expected to revolutionize public transport, provide a sustainable alternative to road congestion, and mark the beginning of a new era of mobility in Bihar’s capital.