Patna: Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRC) is set to add three new train sets to its fleet with all three expected to arrive in Patna from Pune by Dec this year. The trains will have six coaches each and carry around 1,800 passengers, almost double the capacity of the three-coach trains currently operating, which can accommodate around 940 passengers, including seated and standing commuters.The three train sets will be taken on lease at a combined estimated cost of Rs 63 crore. They will be deployed as the network expands, particularly on the elevated sections of Corridor I, to be called the “Red Line”.Patna Metro currently runs between Patliputra Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and Malahi Pakri, a 6.3-km stretch. It does not yet stop at Khemnichak, an important interchange station where finishing work is underway. The station is expected to become operational by the end of 2026 and connect Corridor I (Danapur-Khemnichak) with Corridor II (Patna Junction-New ISBT).The new trains are planned for two elevated stretches of Corridor I — Khemnichak-Mithapur and Danapur-RPS Mor. Together, the sections span about 7km, with around 3.50 km in each stretch. Slab installation has been completed, with finishing and station-related work now underway. PMRC is issuing a tender for finishing works at six stations — Jaganpura, Ramakrishna Nagar, Mithapur, Danapur, Saguna More and RPS More.The Khemnichak-Mithapur section will connect the eastern parts of the city, while Danapur-RPS More will extend services westwards. The three additional six-coach trains will increase capacity as these sections open.The addition of three trains is expected to strengthen the fleet ahead of Corridor I’s March 2027 deadline and help meet higher passenger demand. Current trains were customised for Patna, including their exterior design and colour pattern, and the new rakes will follow the same design.Officials said tunnelling on Corridor II’s underground Rajendra Nagar-Akashvani section is expected to be completed by the end of this year. “The finishing work and metro station will complete by next year. The additional trains will help the metro prepare for increased passenger demand as more sections of the network become operational,” a metro official said.
