Patna Metro is all set to undergo what many are calling its “Agni Pariksha” (trial by fire) on September 16 and 17. The upcoming safety inspections on these dates will play a decisive role in determining when the much-awaited metro services in Bihar’s capital will finally be flagged off. Only after the safety approval from the authorities will the metro be allowed to carry passengers.
According to officials, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) team will visit Patna on these two days to conduct a thorough check of the metro infrastructure. The inspection will focus on every aspect of passenger safety and technical standards, ensuring that the system is fully ready for public use.
CMRS to Conduct Detailed Safety Checks
The CMRS team is responsible for examining the operational and structural readiness of metro rail projects across the country. In Patna, their visit will be highly crucial as it marks the final step before commercial operations begin.
During their inspection on September 16 and 17, the team will:
- Test the track stability and alignment.
- Inspect station safety features.
- Examine electrical supply systems.
- Verify signaling and system integration.
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Conduct a comprehensive review of emergency preparedness.
If all these parameters meet the required national safety standards, the team will issue an “OK Report.” This report is mandatory before any metro service in India can start operations. Once this approval comes through, the state government and metro authorities will finalize the inauguration date.
First Phase Route: From Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath Station
In the initial phase, Patna Metro services will begin on a 4.5-kilometer stretch, connecting Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath Station.
Key details about this route:
- Length: 4.50 km
- Stations Covered: Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
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Journey Time: Approximately 20 minutes for a complete round trip
This limited stretch will serve as the pilot corridor, offering Patna residents their first-ever metro experience. Gradually, the network will be expanded to cover more parts of the city.
Successful Trials Completed Before Safety Tests
Before the CMRS inspection, metro authorities have already conducted multiple rounds of technical trials to ensure operational readiness. These include:
- Track stability tests from the depot to Bhoothnath station.
- Power supply verification and load testing.
- System integration of signaling, communication, and train control systems.
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Dynamic trials, where trains were run on the tracks under real-time conditions.
Officials confirmed that all these trials have been successfully completed, giving confidence that the metro system is safe and reliable.
Metro Likely to Launch Before Durga Puja
With safety checks scheduled for mid-September, the authorities are working round the clock to ensure that Patna Metro is inaugurated before Durga Puja. The target is to dedicate this new urban transport system to the public by the end of the month.
Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, and the state government sees it as the perfect occasion to launch the metro for citizens. Efforts are being made to meet this deadline, and officials remain optimistic that the goal will be achieved.
A Major Step in Bihar’s Urban Transport Development
The launch of Patna Metro will mark a historic milestone for Bihar, as the state joins the growing list of cities in India with a modern metro system. For Patna’s residents, it will not only provide a faster and more reliable mode of travel but also help in reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
Once operational, the metro will:
- Offer comfortable and affordable daily commuting.
- Significantly reduce travel time within the city.
- Provide an eco-friendly alternative to road transport.
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Boost the infrastructure and economy of the capital city.
Conclusion
The coming days are crucial for the Patna Metro project. The inspection by the CMRS team on September 16 and 17 will be the defining moment. If all goes well, Patna’s residents will soon be traveling on the metro, with operations likely to begin just in time for Durga Puja 2025.
For the people of Bihar’s capital, this is not just about a new mode of transport—it’s about entering a new era of urban mobility.
