Patna Metro expands to Malahi Pakri, offering faster commute from ISBT
Patna, July 2
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
Reader Comments
Good step but the interval of 35 minutes between trains is too long. In a city like Patna, we need higher frequency to truly reduce congestion. Hope they increase the number of trips once Khemnichak station opens.
Bihar is finally getting the infrastructure it deserves! 🚇 The JICA funding shows international confidence in our state's development. Let's hope the entire Danapur to Patna City line is completed on time - that will truly transform urban mobility.
I appreciate the effort but why did it take so long to extend just 6.2 km? And the fare of ₹30 for such a short distance seems steep for daily wage workers. The metro should be more affordable if we want to truly encourage public transport use.
As someone who travels from Kankarbagh to ISBT daily, this is wonderful! 🤗 The reduced travel time will give me an extra 30 minutes with my family each day. Just wish they'd start the Khemnichak services soon - it's right near my office.
While I'm happy about the expansion, the 35-minute interval between trains isn't practical for a busy city. We need a metro system that runs at least every 10 minutes during peak hours. Also, better integration with auto-rickshaws and buses at stations would help last-mile connectivity.
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