Patna’s metro rollout has gained fresh momentum as the state cabinet approved a strategic interim move—renting a fully equipped three-coach train set, originally manufactured for Pune Metro, for a three-year period. Officials have emphasised that this avoids the upfront capital outlay of purchasing new rolling stock and enables earlier commencement of trial runs, signalling a pragmatic shift in metro deployment strategy.
The train comes equipped with an onboard signalling system, reducing setup time and accelerating safety certification. A senior transport official explained this decision is part of ongoing coordination between state and central agencies to operationalise metro service swiftly, while national urban mobility initiatives continue to fund the broader corridor infrastructure. In another key development, the cabinet entrusted DMRC with overseeing both operation and maintenance of the priority corridor—a foundational stretch of the network—from August 2025 to March 2028, at an outlay of ₹179.37 crore. This partnership brings operational know-how honed in Delhi and other cities, ensuring metro functionality from day one.
Transport analysts have observed that Patna’s phased operational strategy—leveraging DMRC’s expertise alongside interim rolling stock—mirrors international best practices. “Deploying available assets and proven management simultaneously reduces both delays and urban disruption,” noted a metro systems consultant. The move aligns with the city’s ambition to evolve into a more equitable, low-carbon urban framework, where public transport offers viable alternatives to private vehicles. Expected outcomes include significant reduction in surface traffic congestion and a sharp decrease in commuter travel time. Experts also highlight the metro’s potential economic ripple effects—supporting construction employment, boosting tourism, and spurring satellite commercial development along the corridor.
Meanwhile, the cabinet approved an additional ₹51.68 crore disbursement to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) tasked with voter-list revision, delivering ₹6,000 each to over 77,000 officers and 8,000 supervisors. Although unrelated to metro infrastructure, the move underscores the government’s focus on strengthening civic preparedness and administrative capability ahead of broader democratic outreach. Looking ahead, the Patna metro initiative remains contingent on timely infrastructure delivery, integration with feeder services, and inclusive design principles—ensuring accessibility across age, gender, and ability. With DMRC stewardship and rented trains in play, the city is on track to inaugurate what may become a transformative step in modern, sustainable transit provision for Bihar’s capital.
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