Patna, July 2 (IANS) Patna Metro on Thursday expanded its operational network with the inauguration of the Malahi Pakri section, a move expected to significantly improve connectivity for residents of eastern parts of the Bihar capital.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the newly completed stretch and flagged off passenger services. He later travelled on the metro along with the two Deputy Chief Ministers and the Urban Development Minister.

This also marked the commencement of passenger services on the extended route.

The newly opened section is expected to benefit lakhs of residents in East Patna by providing a faster, safer, and more convenient mode of travel. With the extension, passengers can now travel the 6.2-km stretch between ISBT and Malahi Pakri in approximately 15 minutes, with the fare fixed at Rs 30.

At present, metro services will operate with halts at ISBT, Zero Mile, Bhootnath, and Malahi Pakri stations. Although Khemnichak station has been inaugurated, passenger services there will begin only after the remaining construction work is completed.

Before the extension, Patna Metro operated on a 3.45 km corridor between Bhootnath and ISBT. The addition of the Malahi Pakri section has increased the operational length to 6.2 km.

Owing to the longer route, the number of daily metro trips has been revised from 24 to 22. A complete round trip will now take around 35 minutes, with metro services available to passengers at intervals of approximately 35 minutes.

The expanded corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity for commuters travelling from Kankarbagh, Zero Mile, Malahi Pakri, and nearby localities to ISBT. Besides reducing travel time, the metro is also expected to ease road congestion and encourage greater use of public transport.

Patna Metro is part of a 31.9 km urban rail project being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 13,365 crore. The project is being funded jointly by the Government of Bihar, the Government of India, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Upon completion of the entire project, metro services will connect Danapur with Patna City, transforming urban mobility across the capital. The fully operational network is expected to provide lakhs of commuters with a reliable, fast, safe, and comfortable public transportation system while supporting the city’s long-term infrastructure and economic development.

–IANS

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