Patna Metro's First Corridor Set for August 15 Launch.

Patna's much-anticipated "blue line," the first operational corridor of the Patna Metro Rail Project, is expected to commence operations within the next 60 days. This elevated section of Corridor II (Patna Junction-ISBT) is nearing completion, with officials targeting an August 15, 2025, launch.

The 6.49-kilometer route features five elevated stations: Malahi Pakri, Khemnichak, Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, and ISBT. Metro officials confirm that 90% of the work on this priority corridor is complete. "Final touches are being given at some stations while others are in the last phase of civil and electrical works. Installation of tracks and electric poles is ongoing," they stated.

Significant progress has been made across the corridor, with U-girders placed at Khemnichak, platform casting underway at ISBT, and purlin installation progressing at Bhoothnath station. Civil works at the sprawling ISBT Metro Rail Depot, spanning 76 acres, are also complete, with finishing work in progress. Regular review meetings are being held to ensure the project meets its deadline.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Jibesh Kumar affirmed that the corridor is in its final stage. "The state government is working with full commitment to provide a modern, fast, and environmentally friendly public transport system," he said.

The depot at Baririya Chak is designed with advanced facilities, including two workshop bays, three inspection bays, a testing track, eight stabling bays for 32 three-coach trains, and an auto-coach washing unit. The development area will also house an auditorium, training school, canteen, and an operational control center, supported by an auxiliary substation of 2,500 KVA.

Each metro station will be designed with two levels: a concourse and a platform. The concourse will host essential amenities such as ticket counters, waiting areas, information kiosks, public announcement systems, check-in/out facilities, food courts, retail shops, and accessibility features like lifts, escalators, and stairways.

Khemnichak station will serve as a key interchange, featuring three levels and two platforms to ensure seamless connectivity between Corridor I (Danapur-Khemnichak) and Corridor II.

The ambitious Patna Metro project carries an estimated cost of ₹13,925 crore. The state government will cover 20% of the cost (excluding land acquisition), another 20% will come from the Central government, and the remaining 60% will be funded through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).