Nitish Kumar Launches Patna Metro Ahead of Polls, Showcases Development
Bihar CM launches Patna Metro section in high-stakes pre-election move.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a key 3.45-km elevated section of the Patna Metro Rail Project just hours before the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the state assembly election schedule. The timing couldn't be more strategic, positioning the JD(U) leader as a champion of development amid intensifying poll preparations, with the ECI set to unveil the poll dates at 4 PM today.
The inaugurated "priority corridor" spans three vital stations—Patliputra Bus Terminal, Zero Mile, and Bhoothnath—offering commuters a swift, air-conditioned alternative to Patna's notorious traffic snarls. Flanked by Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats, Kumar himself hopped on for a ceremonial ride, beaming with pride as the train glided smoothly above the bustling streets. "This is a game-changer for Patna's residents, easing daily commutes and symbolizing Bihar's march towards modernity," Kumar declared during the event.
But the celebrations didn't stop there. Kumar also laid the foundation stones for six crucial underground stations, including the bustling Patna Junction, and a 9.35-km-long tunnel connecting them under Corridor 1. This ambitious underground extension, estimated at Rs 2,565.80 crore, will burrow through the heart of the city, linking key commercial and residential hubs. Officials project completion within 42 months, promising seamless connectivity through Patna's densest areas. "The tunnel will revolutionize urban mobility, reducing travel time by up to 70% during peak hours," said a senior urban development official.
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The Patna Metro, Bihar's first foray into rapid transit, is a Rs 13,925.5 crore mega-project jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of India, and the Bihar state government. Spanning two corridors— the Red Line (16.86 km) and Blue Line (14.56 km)—it will feature 24 stations in total, with full Phase 1 operations slated for 2027. The project, envisioned since 2014, has overcome numerous hurdles including land acquisition delays and funding challenges, emerging as a beacon of Nitish Kumar's infrastructure push.
What sets the Patna Metro apart is its nod to local culture and inclusivity. Each coach is adorned with vibrant Madhubani paintings, showcasing Bihar's rich folk art heritage and turning rides into a cultural journey. The service kicks off daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, with trains every 20 minutes completing 40-42 trips. Each four-coach train boasts 138 seats per coach, accommodating up to 945 standing passengers. Amenities include 12 reserved seats for women and differently-abled individuals, mobile/laptop charging ports, CCTV surveillance, and free Wi-Fi. Fares are pocket-friendly: Rs 15 from Patliputra Bus Terminal to Zero Mile, and Rs 30 up to Bhoothnath.
Security is robust, handled by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), ensuring a safe commute in a city plagued by congestion and overcrowding. The metro is expected to ferry over 50,000 passengers daily in its initial phase, slashing road traffic by 20-25% and cutting pollution levels significantly. Experts hail it as a vital step for Patna, a city of 2 million grappling with rapid urbanization and outdated transport infrastructure.
Politically, the launch is a masterstroke. With Bihar's 243-seat assembly up for grabs amid a fierce JD(U)-RJD-BJP tussle, Nitish's visible development agenda could sway urban voters. Critics from the opposition, however, call it "election engineering," questioning the rushed rollout. "Why now, just before polls?" quipped an RJD spokesperson. Yet, for everyday Patnaites, it's a welcome relief—imagine zipping from the bus terminal to Bhoothnath in under 10 minutes, sans the honking chaos.
As Bihar gears up for what promises to be a high-octave electoral battle—potentially in November-December—the Patna Metro stands as more than just tracks and trains. It's a symbol of progress, a political statement, and a lifeline for a growing metropolis. With the poll bugle sounding soon, all eyes are on how this infrastructure jewel influences the ballot boxes.
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