The Bihar government is moving forward with plans to establish metro connectivity between Patna Junction and Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport. The state’s Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) has appointed Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES) as the consulting agency to assess the feasibility of extending the Patna Metro Rail project. The proposed extension aims to integrate the airport with the existing 28-km metro network, which includes Corridor I (Danapur-Khemnichak) and Corridor II (Patna Station-Patliputra Bus Terminal).
RITES has been tasked with conducting surveys and preparing a feasibility report, including a tentative Detailed Project Report (DPR). The study will evaluate connectivity along the Nehru Path while addressing technical considerations such as soil testing, existing infrastructure, and potential disruptions. The government has allocated less than Rs 5 crore for the DPR, which is expected to be completed within two months. Plans also include extending metro connectivity from Patna Airport to Bihta Airport.
Meanwhile, the Patna Metro’s priority corridor will begin operations on August 15, 2025. This 6.49-km elevated stretch of Corridor II (Patna Junction-Inter-State Bus Terminal) includes five stations: Malahi Pakri, Khemnichak, Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, and ISBT. Around 80% of the civil work on this section has been completed, and over 85% of the work on the metro depot at Ramachak Bairiya near ISBT has been finished.
The depot, covering 76 acres, will feature advanced technology, including two workshop bays, three inspection bays, a testing track, and stabling bays for 32 three-coach trains. Track laying has already begun, and a Bengaluru-based company has been commissioned to manufacture metro trains for the route. Initially, four stations—Malahi Pakri, Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, and ISBT—will open in August, while Khemnichak is expected to be operational by October due to land and infrastructure challenges.
