A high-level team of officials from the central government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a review of the Patna Metro Rail Project on Monday, emphasizing the need to accelerate work to ensure its timely completion. The project is Bihar's largest urban transport infrastructure initiative.
Review Meeting Details
The meeting was chaired by Baldev Purushartha, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance. Attendees included senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), DEA, and JICA.
Officials conducted a detailed assessment of the project's current status, construction activities, implementation progress, and key milestones. Discussions focused on resolving bottlenecks that could impact execution, with stakeholders deliberating on measures to speed up construction and improve coordination.
Key Directives
Purushartha emphasized the need for stronger coordination and continuous communication among all agencies involved. He directed officials to resolve pending issues on priority and further accelerate construction to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe. Among those present were Jaideep, Officer on Special Duty (Urban Transport) at MoHUA and Chairman of PMRCL; PMRCL Managing Director Sandeep Kumar R Pudkalakatti; JICA representatives Sato Yosuke and Suzuki Shogo; and DEA Deputy Secretary Manoj Kumar.
Site Inspections
Earlier in the day, Yosuke and Shogo inspected key construction sites of the Patna Metro. Accompanied by senior PMRCL and DMRC officials, the delegation reviewed ongoing work and received updates on project status and future plans.
The visit began at Bhootnath Metro Station, from where the delegation traveled by metro train to ISBT Metro Station. They later inspected the Patna Metro depot, reviewing its operational and maintenance facilities, before returning to Bhootnath Station while assessing passenger amenities, operational arrangements, and service quality.
The delegation also inspected the underground section of Moin-ul-Haq Stadium Metro Station, where construction is underway. They reviewed construction quality, safety compliance, and the pace of execution at multiple sites.
JICA's Response
Expressing satisfaction with the progress, JICA representatives said the project was advancing in line with its planned objectives. They expressed confidence that continued coordination among stakeholders would ensure timely completion.
Project Impact
Officials noted that the Patna Metro Rail Project is expected to transform the city's public transport system by providing a modern, safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable mode of transport, significantly easing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility.
