Patna: Patna Metro has received a fresh financial boost, with the state govt sanctioning Rs 628.32 crore under a central assistance scheme to support ongoing construction and ensure timely progress of the urban transport project. The amount has been made available under the Centre’s Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment for the financial year 2026-27.Officials of the urban development and housing department said the funds would be routed through the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL) and utilised for major project-related works.According to officials, the allocation is part of the first instalment released by the Union finance ministry under its special assistance programme for Bihar. On July 23, the Centre approved projects worth Rs 2,925 crore for the state and released Rs 2,628.32 crore as the first instalment. Of this, Rs 628.32 crore has been earmarked for the Patna Metro project.The project follows a funding model under which the Centre and the state govt contribute 20% each of the total cost, while the remaining 60% is financed through external loans, including assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).The state govt has been releasing its share periodically to support project execution. Officials said the latest allocation would strengthen fund flow for ongoing construction and help avoid delays in critical works.A PMRCL official said on Wednesday, “Rs 628.32 crore has been received so far, while the total amount expected is around Rs 940-945 crore. The remaining amount will be released as work progresses and running bills are cleared.”Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been entrusted with the operation and maintenance of the priority corridor. The estimated expenditure for DMRC’s responsibilities is around Rs 2,179.37 crore for a period of two years and eight months. The allocation will cover technical and maintenance requirements related to metro operations.The latest financial approval is expected to support the next phase of construction and help sustain the pace of work on Patna’s long-awaited mass transit project.Corridor I (Danapur-Khemnichak) will have 14 stations, connecting key locations such as Danapur, Saguna More, RPS More, Patliputra, the Patna Junction interchange area and Khemnichak. The corridor includes both elevated and underground sections and is designed to link western and eastern Patna.Corridor II (Patna Junction-New ISBT) will have 12 stations, passing through major locations including Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Rajendra Nagar and New ISBT. Like Corridor I, it will comprise both elevated and underground stretches and serve several densely populated and commercially important areas. Together, the two corridors form the first phase of the Patna Metro project, cover about 34km.
