Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Patna, October 6 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday flagged off the state’s first metro service Patna Metro. Nitish Kumar also started construction of underground metro from Rukunpura to Patna Junction.
The flag-off ceremony was held at the ISBT depot metro station.
After the inauguration, Kumar personally participated in his first ride from the ISBT depot metro station to Bhutthnath Metro Station.
Many ministers and senior officials were accompanied by him during the ceremony, who eager the enthusiastic mob to see the landmark moment.
In its first phase, the metro will work at a distance of 4.3 km between the new ISBT – zero mile – Bhootnath stations, with open services to the public immediately after the opening. It will be further extended to Khemanchak and Malahi Pakadi at the end of this year.
Three-coach rakes, designed to carry 945 passengers per trip, will provide a modern, convenient transport option to the residents of Patna.
According to Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited, the fare structure has been fixed at Rs 15 from ISBT and Rs 30 from ISBT to Bhootnath Metro Station.
The metro will run from 8 am to 10 pm, and it will be available every 20 minutes. The metro will cover 40-42 trips daily.
Each coach can sit 147 passengers and adjust additional permanent passengers. Twelve seats per coach are reserved for women and separate.
Speaking at the event, Nitish Kumar said that the project marks the beginning of a new era of urban dynamics in Patna, reduces congestion and gives residents a fast, more reliable mode of daily traffic.
The total cost of this ambitious project is estimated at Rs 13,365 crore.
Once fully completed, the metro network will expand 24 stations in 32.5 km in Patna, which will mark a large leap in the city’s public transport infrastructure.
The maximum operating speed in the initial phase will be 40 kmph, which will have a train equipped with advanced passenger safety systems.
Each coach will include a 360-degree CCTV camera, emergency buttons and microphones that directly connect to the train driver, ensure real-time safety reactions.
,
AJK/SKP