- By Akansha Pandey
- Thu, 04 Sep 2025 02:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The four to five-year wait for the people of Patna to get a metro is now coming to an end. On Wednesday, the first trial run of the Patna Metro at the Bairiya Metro Depot brought smiles to the faces of the city's residents. On a 200-meter track, the metro moved back and forth, successfully passing all checks of its signals, track, train, and safety systems. This sight was an exciting glimpse into Patna's modern future.
The Patna Metro will completely change the city's traffic system. Along with making travel easier, it will offer a new experience of eco-friendly and comfortable journeys. The success of the trial run on the first day has created a wave of excitement in Patna. Patna is now ready to become a Metro City.
Before this, the Urban Development and Housing Minister, Jivesh Mishra, visited the Bairiya Depot and the Zero Mile station. He sat inside the metro coaches to take a close look at the comfort of the seats, the signs, CCTV, and the security arrangements. He gave special attention to ensuring easy access and facilities for passengers with disabilities. At the Zero Mile station, he praised the passenger-focused design and modern structure, and also instructed officials to install clear signs and directions for the convenience of passengers.
Abhay Kumar Singh, the Managing Director of Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRCL) and Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, updated the minister on the project's progress and operational readiness. He mentioned that the plan is to start the metro on the priority corridor by the end of September. The technical work on the tracks, electrification, and fabrication is almost complete. After a successful trial from the depot to Zero Mile, the metro will get the green light soon.
The Priority Corridor: A 6.5 km Modern Journey
This 6.5-kilometer elevated corridor from Malahi Pakri to New ISBT (Patliputra Bus Terminal) will connect five stations: MalahiPakri, Khemnichak, Bhootnath Road, Zero Mile, and New ISBT. This corridor will not only make travel faster and smoother but will also be environmentally friendly.
Here's What is Checked During a Trial Run:
1. Train Inspection
- Wheels and Braking System: To check if the brakes work correctly and the braking distance.
- Driver's Controls: All controls, displays, and communication systems.
- Door System: Whether the doors are opening and closing properly.
- Pantograph and Overhead Electric Supply: The connection to the overhead power lines.
- Public Address System: The clarity of announcements and emergency communication.
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2. Track and Depot Infrastructure Check
- Track Alignment: Whether the tracks are level and at the correct gauge.
- Points and Crossings: If the track switching systems are working correctly.
- Depot Facilities: Testing the washing plant and maintenance yard at the depot.
- Track Signals and Interlocking System.
3. Electrical System Check
- Overhead Wires: The power supply in the overhead wires and its stability.
- SCADA System: Monitoring everything from the control room.
- Third Rail or other Power Systems (if applicable).
4. Safety and Control Systems
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System: The automatic safety system.
- Emergency Brakes and Alarm Systems.
- Fire Alarms and Safety Equipment.
5. Speed and Movement Tests
- The train is first run at a slow speed (5-10 km/h).
- Its braking distance, acceleration and balance on turns are checked.
