Patna (Metro Rail News): On June 20, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved the extension of the metro network to four additional cities in the state.
During a state cabinet meeting chaired by CM Nitish Kumar, approval was granted for new metro projects in the following cities of Bihar:
- Muzaffarpur
- Gaya
- Darbhanga
- Bhagalpur.
“The state cabinet approved the Urban Development and Housing Department’s proposal pertaining to metro rail projects in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga and Bhagalpur. Now, the feasibility reports will be prepared after which the detailed project reports (DPR) will be finalised,” stated S Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat).
Additionally, he mentioned that the central and state governments will each cover 20% of the project costs while the remaining 60% will be covered by financial institutions.
Existing Metro Network In Bihar
Currently, work is underway on the Patna Metro Phase 1 project for which the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17, 2019. The project is being constructed with an investment of Rs. 13,365.77 crore.
Patna Metro Phase 1 stretches 30.91 km across 2 corridors and 26 stations. Line 1, also known as the East-West Line, extends 16.86 km, connecting Danapur Cantonment and Khemni Chak via 8 elevated and 6 underground stations.
Line 2, the North-South Line, covers a total distance of 14.05 km, linking Patna Junction Railway Station with New ISBT through 5 elevated and 7 underground stations. Patna Metro Station will serve as the interchange between Line 1 and Line 2, facilitating a smooth transition for passengers.
The first section of Phase 1, which includes 5 stations, is expected to be operational by March 2025. Meanwhile, the entire Phase 1 is likely to be completed by 2027.
