Patna's public transport network expanded on Thursday as chief minister Samrat Chaudhary formally inaugurated the Malahi Pakri metro station, adding a new stop to the city's priority corridor. At the same event, he also launched the Patna Metro's prepaid smart card, which is expected to make ticketing easier for commuters.
A boost for the capital's public transport
Speaking at the inauguration, chief minister Samrat Chaudhary said the expansion of metro services would strengthen Patna's public transport system. He noted that it would cut travel time, ease the pressure of vehicles on the roads, and help control pollution. He assured that the government is working continuously to complete the entire Patna Metro project within the fixed deadline so that the capital gets a world class public transport system. Because of the inauguration event, metro services were suspended for a few hours on Thursday, but regular operations from the Malahi Pakri station resumed as soon as the programme ended. Commuters can now travel directly from this station to Bairia ISBT.
6.2 kilometres covered in just 16 minutes
According to metro officials, the distance between Malahi Pakri and Bairia ISBT is about 6.2 kilometres, and it can now be covered in just 16 minutes. That is a significant relief for commuters who otherwise have to battle road traffic, since covering the same distance by road usually takes considerably longer. Only one metro train is currently operating on this route, running from Malahi Pakri to Bairia ISBT and back.
Kankarbagh and Rajendra Nagar to benefit the most
The biggest beneficiaries of the new Malahi Pakri station will be residents of Kankarbagh, Rajendra Nagar and other densely populated areas of East Patna. People living in these localities will now be able to reach Bairia ISBT in less time without getting stuck in traffic jams. The facility is expected to be especially useful for salaried commuters and students who travel daily.
Four stations now operational on the priority corridor
With the Malahi Pakri station opening, the number of operational metro stations on this priority corridor has risen to four. Passengers can now use metro services from Malahi Pakri, Bhootnath, Zero Mile and Bairia ISBT. However, the Khemnichak metro station, located between Bhootnath and Zero Mile, is still under construction, so trains will not stop there for now.
Fares and timings
Commuters at Malahi Pakri will get a metro every 35 minutes. Services will run daily from 8 am to 8 pm. The fare for the new route has also been fixed, a one way trip from Malahi Pakri to Bairia ISBT will cost passengers a maximum of Rs 30. Given the comfortable, jam free travel on offer in such a short time, the fare is being seen as affordable.
Ridership expected to grow
Experts believe passenger numbers on this route will keep rising in the coming days. The expansion of Patna Metro is expected to not only give people better access to public transport but also reduce their dependence on private vehicles. This is likely to ease the city's traffic situation, save fuel and make a positive contribution to environmental protection. The new expansion is being viewed as an important step toward giving the capital a modern and convenient transport system.
