By Vishwapati
Patna: Metro services in Patna are scheduled to commence in August, with the first phase featuring a 6.2-kilometre line connecting ISBT to Malahi Pakadi. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced this development on Wednesday after reviewing various urban development schemes in Patna.
During the meeting, departmental officials informed the minister that the construction of the metro line is progressing rapidly. Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the schemes, Union Minister Khattar stated that the construction work under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Amrit Yojana, and Metro projects is proceeding satisfactorily.
Residents of Patna will soon benefit from the metro services, with operations set to begin between ISBT and Malahi Pakadi in August. Following this, other priority corridors will be launched in a phased manner.
The Union Minister highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the target is to construct 50,000 houses in Bihar. Over the next five years, the number of houses required to meet the population’s needs will be provided after verification. Additionally, under the PM e-bus service, 500 buses have been allocated to various cities across Bihar.
Khattar emphasised that the introduction of metro services will not only provide a modern transport option but also help alleviate traffic congestion in Patna. The new traffic system will offer significant benefits to the public, particularly given the challenges of navigating the city’s narrow streets. Similar to Kolkata, the metro is expected to become the primary mode of transport for residents of Patna and its surrounding areas.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
