History & Timeline

Patna, the capital of Bihar and one of India's oldest living cities, has long faced severe traffic congestion due to rapid urbanisation. With an urban agglomeration population exceeding 2 million, the city's road infrastructure was struggling to keep pace with demand.

The idea of a metro rail system for Patna was first explored in 2009, when the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) conducted a comprehensive feasibility study. The study confirmed the technical and financial viability of a rapid transit system.

After years of planning, approvals, and stakeholder consultations, the project received final clearance from the Union Cabinet in February 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on February 17, 2019, marking the official launch.

PMRCL was established as a Special Purpose Vehicle jointly owned by the Government of India and the Government of Bihar, with DMRC serving as the General Consultant.

1. 2009Milestone

   Feasibility Study

   Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) conducts the first feasibility study for a metro rail system in Patna to address growing urban mobility needs.

2. 2013Milestone

   Project Proposed

   The Bihar government formally proposes the Patna Metro Rail project as part of its urban development agenda.

3. 2016Approval

   State Cabinet Approval

   Bihar state cabinet approves the Patna Metro Rail project. DMRC is engaged as General Consultant and DPR work begins.

4. Feb 2019Construction

   Central Clearance & Foundation Stone

   Union Cabinet clears the ₹13,365.77 crore project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone on February 17, 2019.

5. Sep 2019Milestone

   PMRCL Incorporated

   Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL) is formally incorporated as the special purpose vehicle to execute and operate the project.

6. 2020–2021Construction

   Civil Construction Begins

   Ground-breaking civil construction begins across elevated sections. Viaduct and pier construction commences on Corridor 2 priority stretch.

7. 2022Construction

   Elevated Structures Progress

   Significant progress on elevated viaducts on both corridors. Rolling stock procurement processes initiated. TBM procurement underway.

8. 2023Construction

   TBM Tunneling Begins

   Tunnel Boring Machines launched for underground sections through central Patna. Work accelerates on priority elevated stretch of Blue Line.

9. May 2024Milestone

   First TBM Breakthrough

   A major milestone — the first TBM successfully breaks through between Moin-ul-Haq Stadium and Patna University stations.

10. Oct 2025Operational

    Operations Begin 🎉

    Patna Metro becomes partially operational on October 6, 2025. Bihar's first metro runs! The priority stretch of the Blue Line begins revenue service.

11. Jul 2026Operational

    Blue Line Extended

    Blue Line extended to Malahi Pakri Metro Station on July 2, 2026, enhancing connectivity for more commuters.

12. 2027–2030Target

    Full Network (Target)

    Complete Phase 1 network including all Red Line stations and remaining underground sections targeted for full completion.

Current Status — July 2026